(n)any of various tiny insects whose larvae are parasites on eggs and larvae of other insects; many are beneficial in destroying injurious insects, Syn.chalcid wasp, chalcid, chalcidfly
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English (GCIDE) v.0.53Collaborative International Dictionary (GCIDE)
[ From Gr. chalko`s copper; in allusion to its metallic colors. ] (Zool.) One of a numerous family of hymenopterous insects (Chalcididæ. Many are gallflies, others are parasitic on insects. [ 1913 Webster ]