insect

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English [edit]

Etymology [edit]

From Latin insectum (with a notched or divided body, cut up), from perfect passive partciple of insecō (I cut up), from in- + secō (I cut), from the notion that the insect's body is "cut into" three sections. Calque of Ancient Greek ἔντομον (insect), from ἔντομος (cut into pieces).

Pronunciation [edit]

Noun [edit]

insect (plural insects)

  1. An arthropod in the class Insecta, characterized by six legs, up to four wings, and a chitinous exoskeleton.
    Our shed has several insect infestions, including ants, yellowjackets, and wasps.
  2. (colloquial) Any small arthropod similar to an insect including spiders, centipedes, millipedes, etc
    The swamp is swarming with every sort of insect.
  3. A contemptible or powerless person.
    The manager’s assistant was the worst sort of insect.

Synonyms [edit]

  • bug (Colloquial 1,2)

Related terms [edit]


Translations [edit]

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Anagrams [edit]


Dutch [edit]

Dutch Wikipedia has an article on:

Wikipedia nl

Etymology [edit]

From Latin īnsectum (cut up), from īnsecō (I cut up into).

Pronunciation [edit]

Noun [edit]

insect m (plural insecten, diminutive insectje)

  1. insect