clearwing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “clearwing” mean?
A type of moth whose wings are largely transparent, with the scales mostly absent from the central areas, resembling glass or clear film.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A type of moth whose wings are largely transparent, with the scales mostly absent from the central areas, resembling glass or clear film.
Any insect, particularly within the Sesiidae or Sphingidae families, characterized by having transparent or translucent wing sections. The term is also used in horticulture to refer to a pest moth (e.g., the currant clearwing) whose larvae bore into plant stems.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is used identically in both varieties within scientific and gardening contexts.
Connotations
Neutral, scientific. In gardening contexts, it connotes a pest species.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to specialist domains.
Grammar
How to Use “clearwing” in a Sentence
The [type] clearwing is a pest of [plant].A clearwing [verb, e.g., emerged, hovered].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “clearwing” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The clearwing moth is a fascinating insect.
- We have a clearwing infestation in the blackcurrants.
American English
- The clearwing moth is a fascinating insect.
- We have a clearwing infestation in the raspberries.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in entomology papers and taxonomy.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Common in horticultural guides, pest control manuals, and lepidopterist literature.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “clearwing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “clearwing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “clearwing”
- Using 'clearwing' as an adjective (e.g., 'a clearwing insect' is redundant; 'a clearwing' is sufficient).
- Confusing it with the butterfly family 'Glasswing' (Ithomiini).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a moth, belonging primarily to the family Sesiidae, though some hawkmoths (Sphingidae) are also called clearwings.
They are not dangerous to humans, but their larvae can be serious agricultural and horticultural pests, boring into the stems and roots of plants.
The central areas of their wings lack the coloured scales that cover most moths' wings, leaving only the transparent membrane.
It is possible, especially if you grow plants like currants, raspberries, or lilac, which are hosts to various clearwing species. They are most active during the day.
A type of moth whose wings are largely transparent, with the scales mostly absent from the central areas, resembling glass or clear film.
Clearwing is usually technical / scientific in register.
Clearwing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈklɪəwɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈklɪrwɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a moth with wings so CLEAR you can see through them, like CLEAR glass. CLEAR + WING = CLEARWING.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A for this highly specific taxonomic term.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'clearwing'?