hindwing: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “hindwing” mean?
The rear pair of wings on a four-winged insect.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The rear pair of wings on a four-winged insect.
In zoology/entomology, refers specifically to the posterior pair of wings, often differing in shape and function from the forewings (forewing).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or spelling. The term is standard in scientific English globally.
Connotations
None beyond its technical definition.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in general usage but standard within entomology texts in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “hindwing” in a Sentence
The [noun]'s hindwing is [adjective].The hindwing of the [insect] [verb].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hindwing” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Academic
Common in academic entomology papers and taxonomy descriptions. E.g., 'The study focused on the venation patterns of lepidopteran hindwings.'
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
Core terminology in entomology, butterfly/moth collecting, and related biological fields.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hindwing”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hindwing”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hindwing”
- Misspelling as 'hind wing' (two words) or 'hindwing' (one word). The standard is one word. Using it to refer to any rear wing on a bird or aircraft (incorrect).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is standardly written as one word: 'hindwing'.
No. It is a specific entomological term for insects with two pairs of wings. For birds, you would say 'rear wing' or simply 'wing'. For aircraft, terms like 'rear wing', 'tailplane', or 'stabilizer' are used.
The opposite is the 'forewing' or 'front wing'.
No, it is a low-frequency technical term. You will only encounter it in scientific contexts related to insects.
The rear pair of wings on a four-winged insect.
Hindwing is usually technical / scientific in register.
Hindwing: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪnd.wɪŋ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhaɪnd.wɪŋ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “N/A”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HIND (as in 'behind') WING – it's the wing that's at the hind (back) part of the insect.
Conceptual Metaphor
N/A (Technical term not commonly metaphorized).
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'hindwing'?