mantis
Syllabification: (man·tis)
Pronunciation: /ˈmantis/
(also praying mantis)
Translate mantis | into Italian Definition of mantis
noun ( plural same or mantises)
- a slender predatory insect related to the cockroach. It waits motionless for prey with its large spiky forelegs folded like hands in prayer.
- Suborder Mantodea, order Dictyoptera: Mantidae and other families, and many species, including Mantis religiosa, introduced to America from southern Europe and now found commonly in the northeastern US
Origin:
mid 17th century: modern Latin, from Greek, literally 'prophet'