‖ paˈrapterum, -on
[mod.L., f. Gr. παρα- beside + πτερόν wing. In mod.F. paraptère.]
(See quot.) Hence paˈrapteral a., pertaining to a parapterum.
| 1857 Mayne Expos. Lex., Parapterum. Entomol. Applied to a piece..in the lateral parts of each segment of the thorax of hexapodous insects, which has relation with the episternum and wing... Ornithol. Applied by Illiger to the long feathers directed backwards, which are inserted in the arm near the axilla, and which cover more or less of the wings. |