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mantis
The term is most frequently encountered in the compound phrase "praying mantis," referring to the insect's characteristic posture of holding its front legs together, which resembles a person in prayer. While "mantis" is the scientific name for the order, in common parlance, the adjective "praying" is almost always appended to avoid ambiguity.
In a biological context, the word evokes images of camouflage and predatory precision. It is used primarily in scientific, educational, or nature-related registers and does not carry significant metaphorical weight in standard English, unlike words like "chameleon."
Meanings
Examples
A praying mantis blends in perfectly with the green leaves.
The mantis used its powerful front legs to snatch the cricket.
The creature looked like a giant mantis with shimmering wings.
The creature looked like a giant mantis with shimmering wings.
Did you know that some species of mantis exhibit sexual cannibalism?
A small mantis perched on the edge of the flower petal.
The biology teacher showed us a preserved mantis specimen.