coleoptera
plural noun
co·le·op·tera ˌkō-lē-ˈäp-tə-rə 
: insects that are beetles
coleopterist
ˌkō-lē-ˈäp-tə-rist
noun coleopterous
ˌkō-lē-ˈäp-tə-rəs
adjective 
Word History
Etymology
New Latin, ultimately from Greek koleon sheath + pteron wing — more at feather
First Known Use
1771, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
coleoptera
noun plural
co·le·op·te·ra ˌkō-lē-ˈäp-tə-rə
1
capitalized : the largest order of insects comprising the beetles and weevils and being distinguished by a pair of forewings that are usually hard and rigid, are never used for flight, and serve as a protective covering for the delicate flight wings and the upper surface of the abdomen
2
: insects that are beetles