n pl 1  cap  :  a large order of insects comprising the butterflies, moths, and skippers that as adults have four broad or lanceolate wings usu. covered with overlapping and often brightly colored scales and that as larvae are caterpillars  2  :  insects of the order Lepidoptera lep*i*dop*ter*an n or adj lep*i*dop*ter*ous adj 
 
 
 
Published under license with Merriam-Webster, Incorporated.  © 1997-2024.