GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English
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‖Diptera , n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. > with two wings, δι- = δίσ- twice + > feather, wing: cf. F. diptère.] (Zool.) An extensive order of insects having only two functional wings and two balancers, as the house fly, mosquito, etc. They have a suctorial proboscis, often including two pairs of sharp organs (mandibles and maxillæ) with which they pierce the skin of animals. They undergo a complete metamorphosis, their larvæ (called maggots) being usually without feet.1913 Webster