instar

¹

[ in-stahr ]

noun

1. an insect in any one of its periods of postembryonic growth between molts.

instar

²

[ in-stahr ]

verb (used with object)

, in·starred, in·star·ring.

1. to set with or as if with stars.
2. Archaic.
   1. to place as a star.
   2. to make a star of.

instar

/ ˈɪnstɑː /

noun

1. the stage in the development of an insect between any two moults

Word History and Origins

Origin of instar¹

First recorded in 1890–95; from New Latin, Latin īnstar “counterpart, equivalent”

Origin of instar²

First recorded in 1585–95; in- ¹ + star

Word History and Origins

Origin of instar¹

C19: New Latin from Latin: image

Example Sentences

Greek taken singly is, to use an indispensable Latin word, instar, the knowledge of all other languages.

From Project Gutenberg

Que Germania sic dicta erat, quia instar ramorum germinancium ab arbore, sic nomen regnaque germania nuncupantur.

From Project Gutenberg

Is vulgo putatur in tenebris Carbonis instar lucere; fortassis quia Pyropus seu Anthrax appellatus a veteribus fuit.

From Project Gutenberg

Testa subulata instar turris, anfractuum undecim, reticulata striis elevatis decussantibus punctis contiguationem eminentibus.

From Project Gutenberg

Sixty-nine per cent of the warbles were in the third instar stage, and the rest were in the second instar stage.

From Project Gutenberg