geometrid

American  

[jee-om-i-trid] / dʒiˈɒm ɪ trɪd /

adjective

1. belonging or relating to the family Geometridae, comprising slender-bodied, broad-winged moths, the larvae of which are called inchworms.

   In one lowland rainforest, they recorded more than 400 geometrid species.

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noun

1. Also geometrid moth any moth of the family Geometridae, comprising slender-bodied, broad-winged moths, the larvae of which are called inchworms, including cankerworms and hemlock loopers.

geometrid British  

/ dʒɪˈɒmɪtrɪd /

noun

1. any moth of the family Geometridae, the larvae of which are called measuring worms, inchworms, or loopers

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Geometridae

Etymology

Origin of geometrid

First recorded in 1860–65; from New Latin Geometridae, from Geometr(a), a genus name ( see geometer; so called because the larva seems to measure the ground with its looping motion) + -idae -id ²

Example Sentences

How is this change brought about?Explain the protective coloration of the following: Dead-leaf butterfly, walking stick, geometrid larva.

From A Guide for the Study of Animals by Lucas, Frederic

Scall′op moth, a name applied to several geometrid moths; Scall′op-shell, a scallop, or the shell of one, the badge of a pilgrim.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

The Desmoscolecida move by looping their bodies like geometrid caterpillars or leeches, as well as by creeping on their setae.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 8, Slice 2 "Demijohn" to "Destructor" by Various

Scoria, skō′ri-a, n. dross or slag left from metal or ores after being under fire: a genus of geometrid moths:—pl.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

Looper: applied to geometrid and other caterpillars in which some or all the middle abdominal legs are wanting and which move by bringing tail to thorax and forming a loop of the intervening segments.

From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by Smith, John. B.