Encyrtidae

plural noun

En·​cyr·​ti·​dae
ə̇nˈsərtəˌdē,
en-
: a large cosmopolitan family of small chalcid wasps parasitic in the eggs or later stages of many insects

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Encyrtus, type genus (from Greek enkyrtos curved, crooked, from en in + kyrtos convex, bulging) + -idae; akin to Latin curvus curved

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Encyrtidae

Cite this Entry

“Encyrtidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Encyrtidae. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!