Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary · 1913
Diptera
Dip′te·ra (dĭp′tē·rȧ), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. δίπτερος with two wings, δι- = δίς- twice + πτερόν feather, wing: cf. F. diptère.] (Zoöl.) An extensive order of insects having only two functional wings and two balancers, as the house fly, mosquito, etc. They have a suctorial proboscis, often including two pairs of sharp organs (mandibles and maxillæ) with which they pierce the skin of animals. They undergo a complete metamorphosis, their larvæ (called maggots) being usually without feet.