any tiny hymenopterous insect of the family Chalcididae and related families, whose larvae are parasites of other insects
Word origin
C19: from New Latin Chalcis type genus, from Greek khalkos copper, referring to its metallic sheen
chalcid in American English
(ˈkælsɪd)
noun
1.
any of a large family (Chalcididae) of very small wasps, either four-winged or wingless, many of whose larvae live as parasites in the eggs, larvae, or pupae of other insects
: also chalcid fly (or wasp)
adjective
2.
of these insects
Word origin
< ModL Chalcis (gen. Chalcidis), name of the type genus < Gr chalkos, copper: so named because of their metallic color