praying mantis

/ˈpɹeɪ.ɪŋ ˈmæntɪs/

PɹEꞮ · ꞮŊ MÆNTꞮS (2 syllables)

English Noun

Definition

Any of various predatory, cannibalistic insects of the order Mantodea that have a prayer-like stance.

Etymology

Mantis from Greek μάντις (mántis). Named "praying mantis" for their stance, with the forelegs held together in a way that resembles a person praying. Similar designations exist in many European as well as non-European languages. Compare for example French mante religieuse (literally “religious mantis”), German Gottesanbeterin (literally “God-worshipper”), Portuguese louva-a-deus (literally “God-praiser”), Persian آخوندک (âxundak, literally “little cleric”).