insect

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[edit] English

[edit] Etymology

From Latin insectum (cut up) < perfect passive partciple of insecō (I cut up) < in- + secō (I cut)

[edit] Pronunciation

[edit] Noun

Singular
insect

Plural
insects

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.

[edit] Synonyms

  • bug (Colloquial 1,2)

[edit] Related terms

[edit] Translations

[edit] Anagrams

[edit] See also

[edit] External links