libellula

noun

li·​bel·​lu·​la
līˈbelyələ,
lə̇ˈ-
1
capitalized : a genus of large often brightly colored dragonflies usually with dark blotches on the wings that is the type of the family Libellulidae and in older classifications includes all the dragonflies
2
plural -s : any dragonfly of the genus Libellula : skimmer

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, diminutive of libella dragonfly, from Latin, level (instrument); from the horizontal position of the wings

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Dictionary Entries Near libellula

libelee

libellula

Libellulidae

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Cite this Entry

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

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