palae·op·tera \ˌ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ˈäptərə\noun plural Usage: capitalized Etymology: New Latin, from pale- + -ptera : a major division of Pterygota comprising winged insects that are unable to flex their wings over the abdomen and including the orders Odonata and Plectoptera • palae·op·ter·ous\| ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷| ̷ ̷t(ə)rəs\adjective