Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Grasshopper?

\Grass"hop`per\, n. 1. (Zo["o]l.) Any jumping, orthopterous insect, of the families {Acridid[ae]} and {Locustid[ae]}. The species and genera are very numerous. The former family includes the Western grasshopper or locust ({Caloptenus spretus}), noted for the great extent of its ravages in the region beyond the Mississippi. In the Eastern United States the red-legged ({Caloptenus femurrubrum} and {C. atlanis}) are closely related species, but their ravages are less important. They are closely related to the migratory locusts of the Old World. See {Locust}. Note: The meadow or green grasshoppers belong to the {Locustid[ae]}. They have long antenn[ae], large ovipositors, and stridulating organs at the base of the wings in the male. The European great green grasshopper ({Locusta viridissima}) belongs to this family. The common American green species mostly belong to {Xiphidium}, {Orchelimum}, and {Conocephalus}. 2. In ordinary square or upright pianos of London make, the escapement lever or jack, so made that it can be taken out and replaced with the key; -- called also the {hopper.} --Grove. {Grasshopper engine}, a steam engine having a working beam with its fulcrum at one end, the steam cylinder at the other end, and the connecting rod at an intermediate point. {Grasshopper lobster} (Zo["o]l.) a young lobster. [Local, U. S.] {Grasshopper warbler} (Zo["o]l.), cricket bird.