Lepidomelane
(Lep`i*dom"e*lane) n. [Gr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale + me`las, me`laina, black.] (Min.) An
iron-potash mica, of a raven-black color, usually found in granitic rocks in small six-sided tables, or as an
aggregation of minute opaque scales. See Mica.
Lepidopter
(Lep`i*dop"ter) n. [Cf. F. lépidoptère.] (Zoöl.) One of the Lepidoptera.
Lepidoptera
(||Lep`i*dop"te*ra) n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. lepi`s - i`dos, a scale + ptero`n a feather, wing.]
(Zoöl.) An order of insects, which includes the butterflies and moths. They have broad wings, covered
with minute overlapping scales, usually brightly colored.
They have a tubular proboscis, or haustellum, formed by the two slender maxillæ. The labial palpi are
usually large, and the proboscis, when not in use, can be coiled up spirally between them. The mandibles
are rudimentary. The larvæ, called caterpillars, are often brightly colored, and they commonly feed on
leaves. The adults feed chiefly on the honey of flowers.
Lepidopteral
(Lep`i*dop"ter*al) Lepidopterous
(Lep`i*dop"ter*ous) a. (Zoöl.) Of or pertaining to the
Lepidoptera.
Lepidopterist
(Lep`i*dop"ter*ist), n. (Zoöl.) One who studies the Lepidoptera.
Lepidosauria
(||Lep`i*do*sau"ri*a) n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. lepi`s - i`dos, a scale + say^ros a lizard.] (Zoöl.)
A division of reptiles, including the serpents and lizards; the Plagiotremata.
Lepidosiren
(Lep`i*do*si"ren) n. [Gr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale + seirh`n a siren.] (Zoöl.) An eel- shaped
ganoid fish of the order Dipnoi, having both gills and lungs. It inhabits the rivers of South America. The
name is also applied to a related African species The lepidosirens grow to a length of from four to six
feet. Called also doko.
Lepidote
(Lep"i*dote) Lepidoted
(Lep"i*do`ted) a. [Gr. lepidwto`s covered with scales, fr. lepi`s -
i`dos, a scale.] (Bot.) Having a coat of scurfy scales, as the leaves of the oleaster.
Lepisma
(||Le*pis"ma) n. [NL., fr. Gr. le`pisma peel, fr. lepi`s -i`dos, a scale.] (Zoöl.) A genus of wingless
thysanurous insects having an elongated flattened body, covered with shining scales and terminated by
seven unequal bristles. A common species (Lepisma saccharina) is found in houses, and often injures
books and furniture. Called also shiner, silver witch, silver moth, and furniture bug.
Lepismoid
(Le*pis"moid) a. [Lepisma + -oid.] (Zoöl.) Like or pertaining to the Lepisma.
Leporine
(Lep"o*rine) (lep"o*rin or - rin), a. [L. leporinus, fr. lepus, leporis, hare. See Leveret.]
(Zoöl.) Of or pertaining to a hare; like or characteristic of, a hare.
Lepra
(||Le"pra) n. [L. See Leper.] (Med.) Leprosy.
The term lepra was formerly given to various skin diseases, the leprosy of modern authors being Lepra
Arabum. See Leprosy.
Lepre
(Lep"re) n. Leprosy.[Obs.] Wyclif.
Leprose
(Lep"rose`) a. [See Leprous.] (Nat. Hist.) Covered with thin, scurfy scales.
Leprosity
(Le*pros"i*ty) n. The state or quality of being leprous or scaly; also, a scale. Bacon.
Leprosy
(Lep"ro*sy) n. [See Leprous.] (Med.) A cutaneous disease which first appears as blebs or
as reddish, shining, slightly prominent spots, with spreading edges. These are often followed by an
eruption of dark or yellowish prominent nodules, frequently producing great deformity. In one variety
of the disease, anæsthesia of the skin is a prominent symptom. In addition there may be wasting of the
