Rhipidophora
/ˌrɪpɪˈdɒfərə/noun
A taxonomic genus of wedge-shaped beetles in the family Ripiphoridae, whose species often have fanlike antennae.
Did you know?The name combines Greek rhīpís, “fan,” with phóros, “bearing,” describing the conspicuously fanlike antennae found in members of the genus.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bher-
“To carry or bear; the ancient root behind the second element of the name and English bear.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
ῥιπίς (rhipís)
“A fan or bellows, especially an object used to create a current of air.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
-φόρος (-phóros)
“Bearing or carrying; from phérein, “to carry.””
19th Century
New Latin
Rhipidophora
“A zoological genus name meaning “fan-bearing,” referring to the insects’ fanlike antennae.”
Modern English
English
Rhipidophora
“The established scientific name of a genus of wedge-shaped beetles.”