An order of insects composed of the moths and butterflies, characterized by wings covered with delicate scales. [G. lepis, scale, + pteron, wing]
* * *
lep·i·dop·tera .lep-ə-'däp-tə-rə n pl
1) cap a large order of insects comprising the butterflies, moths, and skippers that as adults have four broad or lanceolate wings usu. covered with overlapping and often brightly colored scales and that as larvae are caterpillars
2) insects of the order Lepidoptera
lep·i·dop·ter·an -rən n or adj
lep·i·dop·ter·ous -tə-rəs adj
* * *
Lep·i·dop·tera (lep″ĭ-dopґtər -ə) [Gr. lepis, gen. lepidos flake or scale + pteron wing] the butterflies and moths, an order of insects with large wings covered by small transparent scales. The larval form is the caterpillar.Medical dictionary. 2011.