thysanopteran

[ thahy-suh-nop-ter-uhn, this-uh- ]

adjective

1. Also thysa·nopter·ous. belonging or pertaining to the insect order Thysanoptera, comprising the thrips.

noun

1. Also a thysanopteran insect; a thrips.

Word History and Origins

Origin of thysanopteran¹

1890–95; < New Latin Thysanopter ( a ) order name (< Greek thýsan ( os ) tassel, fringe + -o- -o- + -ptera, neuter plural of -pteros -winged; -pterous ) + -an