Entomophilous

/ˌɛntəmoʊˈfɪləs/ adjective

Definition

Pollinated by insects rather than by wind or water.

Etymology

From Greek 'entomon' (insect) and 'phila' (loving). Coined in the 19th century to classify flowering plants based on their pollination methods.

Kelly Says

Entomophilous flowers are often bright and fragrant because insects have terrible eyesight and good noses compared to other animals—evolution optimized them for the wrong senses!

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.