Definition of: Hymenoptera

(hī′mən·op′tər·ə) noun plural
An extensive and highly developed order of insects typically having four membranous wings, of which the front pair are larger, and mostly a wormlike larva and inactive pupa, including bees, wasps, sawflies, ants, etc. [<NL <Gk. hymen membrane + ptera, plural of pteron a wing]
—hy′men·op′ter noun
—hy′men·op′ter·an adjective & noun
—hy′men·op′ter·ous adjective