mantis — English Dictionary

Noun

1. Any of various large insects of the order Mantodea that catch insects or other small animals with their powerful forelegs.

   Usage

   • Countable
   • Uncountable

   Examples

   The scientists then allowed the males from one group of mantises to mate with females from the other.

   More examples (1)

   Don’t get me wrong: I love mantises so much it is pathetic. They have that quality, like some views of a beautiful city, where it feels that you are seeing them for the first time, every time. Each mantis looks so perfect, so whole and individual.

2. A green colour, like that of many mantises.

   Usage

   • Uncountable

Noun

1. predacious long-bodied large-eyed insect of warm regions; rests with forelimbs raised as in prayer

   Synonyms

   mantid

   Broader terms

   dictyopterous insect