[1080] The term falcate has usually been applied to signify this figure, as well as that to which we have restricted it; but as the truncate and sharp extremity forms a striking difference, we thought it best to invent a new term.
[1081] We have departed from the more usual definition of trapezoid, "An irregular figure whose four sides are not parallel," because the above is best suited to forms in insects.
[1082] We use this term to denote the shape of solid bodies.
[1083] The word employed in Botany to denote a Polygon is prismatical; but since, properly defined, this term is synonymous with triquetrous, we thought it best to use an adjective derived from prismoid, which implies a body that approaches to prismatical.
[1084] This term in Anatomy denotes any unnatural protuberance or convexity of the body, as a person hunched, or hump-backed. In Astronomy it is used in reference to the enlightened parts of the moon, whilst she is moving from the first quarter to the full, and from the full to the last quarter; for all that time the dark part appears horned or falcated, and the light one hunched out, convex or gibbous.
[1085] We employ the term æquatus instead of æqualis commonly used in this sense, because æqualis is also applied to magnitude, to which we would restrict it.
[1086] I do not find in Schönherr (Curculionid. Method. Disp.) any genus or subgenus of Rhyncophorous beetles the characters of which correspond with those of the insect here alluded to, which I once thought might be a Cyphus Germ. but it is not. It appears common in Brazil, and I have at least two species of it.
[1087] Linn. Trans. vi. 194. t. xx. f. 5.
[1088] Germ. Insect. Spec. Nov. 332—. To this genus Curculio Tribulus and quadridens appear to belong.
[1089] This kind of pubescence has usually been denominated sericeous (sericea); but it certainly does not resemble silk; and is very different from the proper sericeous splendour, exhibited by Cryptocephalus sericeus.