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neuroptera

(Science: zoology) An order of hexapod insects having two pairs of large, membranous, net-veined wings. The mouth organs are adapted for chewing. They feed upon other insects, and undergo a complete metamorphosis. The ant-lion, hellgamite, and lacewing fly are examples. Formerly, the name was given to a much more extensive group, including the true Neuroptera and the pseudoneuroptera.

Origin: Nl, fr. Gr. Nerve _ a wing, fr. To fly.