Dip"te*ra (?), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. with two wings, = twice + feather, wing: cf. F. diptere.] 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 maxillae) with which they pierce the skin of animals. They undergo a complete metamorphosis, their larvae (called maggots) being usually without feet.

© Webster 1913.