‖ Dermaptera, n. pl. Entom.
(dəˈmæptərə)
[mod. f. Gr. δέρµα skin, hide, leather + πτερόν wing; in mod.F. dermaptère: cf. Gr. δερµόπτερος having membranous wings.]
An order of orthopterous insects, comprising the Earwigs. Hence derˈmapteran a., belonging to the Dermaptera; n. one of the Dermaptera; derˈmapterous a., belonging to the Dermaptera.
| 1835 Kirby Hab. & Inst. Anim. II. xx. 318 The Dermaptera (Earwigs) have two elytra and two wings of membrane folded longitudinally. 1839 Westwood Mod. Classif. Insects 406 Raised them to the rank of a distinct order to which the name of Dermaptera was misapplied. |