WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026
ple•cop•ter•an
(pli kop′tər ən),USA pronunciation adj.
n.
- InsectsAlso, ple•cop′ter•ous. belonging or pertaining to the insect order Plecoptera, comprising the stoneflies.
n.
- Insectsa plecopteran insect;
stonefly.
- Greek plék(ein) to twine, twist + -o- -o- + -ptera, neuter plural of -pteros -pterous) + -an; so named in reference to the reticulated wings, which twist back upon themselves when the insect is resting
- Neo-Latin Plecopter(a) the order (
- 1885–90