pyralid

[ pir-uh-lid ]

noun

1. any of numerous slender-bodied moths of the family Pyralidae, having elongated triangular forewings, and in the larval phase including many crop pests.

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the family Pyralidae.

pyralid

/ ˈpɪrəlɪd /

noun

1. any moth of the mostly tropical family Pyralidae, typically having narrow forewings and broad fringed hind wings: includes the bee moths and the corn borer

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the family Pyralidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyralid¹

1580–90; < New Latin Pyralidae, equivalent to Pyral ( is ) type genus (< Latin pyralis < Greek pyralís an insect thought to live in fire; akin to pŷr fire ) + -idae -id ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of pyralid¹

C19: via New Latin from Greek puralis: a mythical winged insect believed to live in fire, from pur fire

Example Sentences

Rather, they assumed, it was to favor a critical component of the sloth’s ecosystem, the pyralid moth.

From New York Times