n.
Any of numerous insects of the order Coleoptera, characterized by forewings modified to form tough protective covers for the membranous hind wings and including the beetles, weevils, and fireflies.
adj.
Of, relating to, or belonging to the order Coleoptera.
[From New Latin Coleoptera, order name, from Greek koleopteros, sheath-winged : koleon, sheath + pteron, wing.]
coleopterous co'le·op'ter·ous (-tər-əs) adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.