nymphalid

[ nim-fuh-lid ]

noun

1. a butterfly of the family Nymphalidae, comprising the brush-footed butterflies.

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the family Nymphalidae.

nymphalid

/ ˈnɪmfəlɪd /

noun

1. any butterfly of the family Nymphalidae, typically having brightly coloured wings: includes the fritillaries, tortoiseshells, red admirals, and peacock

adjective

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of nymphalid¹

1890–95; < New Latin Nymphalidae name of family, equivalent to Nymphāl ( is ) name of genus ( Latin nymph ( a ) nymph + -ālis -al ¹ ) + -idae -id ²

Word History and Origins

Origin of nymphalid¹

C19: from New Latin, from Nymphālis genus name, from Latin; see nymph

Example Sentences

The nymphalid butterflies use WntA one way, the monarch for a quite another.

From New York Times

In the nymphalid butterflies, the pupa is often called a 'chrysalis' on account of the golden hue displayed by the cuticle, and the term 'chrysalis' is sometimes bestowed indiscriminately on any kind of pupa.

From Project Gutenberg

The standard pattern of nymphalid butterflies, a 90-million-year-old family of some 6,000 different species, consists of four bands, parallel to the body, that run between it and the edge of the wings.

From New York Times

The means by which the suspended pupa of a nymphalid butterfly attaches its cremaster to the silken pad which the larva has spun in preparation for pupation, is worthy of brief attention.

From Project Gutenberg