tanystomata Meaning, Definition & Usage

Tan`y*stom"a*ta noun plural
Etymology
NL., fr. Gr. to stretch + , , mouth.
Definitions
  1. (Zoöl.) A division of dipterous insects in which the proboscis is large and contains lancelike mandibles and maxillæ. The horseflies and robber flies are examples.

Webster 1913