An order of hexapod insects having two pairs of
   large, membranous, net-veined wings. The mouth organs are adapted for
   chewing. They feed upon other insects, and undergo a complete
   metamorphosis. The ant-lion, hellgamite, and lacewing fly are examples.
   Formerly, the name was given to a much more extensive group, including
   the true Neuroptera and the Pseudoneuroptera.