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insect

noun
in·​sect | \ ˈin-ˌsekt How to pronounce insect (audio) \

Definition of insect

1a : any of a class (Insecta) of arthropods (such as bugs or bees) with well-defined head, thorax, and abdomen, only three pairs of legs, and typically one or two pairs of wings
b : any of numerous small invertebrate animals (such as spiders or centipedes) that are more or less obviously segmented —not used technically
2 : a trivial or contemptible person

Illustration of insect

Illustration of insect

insect 1a: 1 labial palpus, 2 maxillary palpus, 3 simple eye, 4 antenna, 5 compound eye, 6 prothorax, 7 tympanum, 8 wing, 9 ovipositor, 10 spiracles, 11 abdomen, 12 metathorax, 13 mesothorax

Other Words from insect Synonyms & Antonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about insect

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Other Words from insect

insect adjective

Did You Know?

The bodies of insects have segments, or divisions, so they appear to have a series of notches cut into them. This led the Greek philosopher Aristotle to give insects the name entomon “a thing cut into.” Entomon comes from the prefix en- “in,” combined with the verb temnein “to cut.” Later, when the Romans wanted a word for this kind of creature, they did not simply borrow the Greek word. Instead they translated it with the Latin word insectum, from the verb insecare “to cut into.” Insectum was borrowed into English as insect.

Examples of insect in a Sentence

a swarm of flying insects the magazine's editor in chief was notorious for treating staffers as insects, often not even bothering to learn their names

Recent Examples on the Web

 Other preventive measures include covering skin with long-sleeved pants and shirts while outside and properly using insect repellent containing DEET. — Fox News, "Massachusetts woman reportedly dies from rare mosquito-borne virus: 'She was such a beautiful soul'," 26 Aug. 2019 Opt for formulas that are free of insect repellents or derivatives of vitamin A (retinyl palmitate, retinol, retinyl acetate, retinyl linoleate, and retinoic acid), which can cause increased skin photosensitivity and oxidative damage. — Jenna Rosenstein, Harper's BAZAAR, "Is Your Sunscreen Safe? The Case for Switching to a Mineral Sunscreen," 12 Aug. 2019 People can use insect repellents and wear long pants and long-sleeves to minimize bites. — Noelle Phillips, The Denver Post, "West Nile Virus found in Weld County mosquitoes," 2 Aug. 2019 In the shade of a creaky, metal awning, Schneider briefed the nine trainees wearing orange hardhats about safety precautions that included CPR, heat-stress warnings and insect repellent. — Vincent T. Davis, ExpressNews.com, "CPS Energy prepares next generation of San Antonio utility workers," 31 July 2019 In order to protect yourself, officials suggest cutting grass and shrubbery, making sure screens in windows and doors are fully functioning and wearing insect repellent or long sleeved-clothing during dawn and dusk. — Briana Rice, Cincinnati.com, "Mosquitoes test positive for West Nile Virus in Hamilton County," 17 July 2019 Pack insect repellent to ward off the persistent mosquitoes and be sure to make use of the bear-safe food lockers available in the campground. — Kitson Jazynka, National Geographic, "Wolves are making a comeback. Here’s where to see them," 2 July 2019 The misuse of insect repellent that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems. — Other Voices, cleveland.com, "Cleveland APL Pet Tip: Keep your pets safe this 4th of July (Community Voices)," 27 June 2019 What to do:Applying insect repellent with a high level of DEET will make encountering bugs less likely. — Alyson Krueger, Condé Nast Traveler, "How to Tackle the Most Common Travel Fears," 6 June 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'insect.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of insect

1601, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

History and Etymology for insect

Latin insectum, from neuter of insectus, past participle of insecare to cut into, from in- + secare to cut — more at saw

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More Definitions for insect

insect

noun
How to pronounce insect (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of insect

: a small animal that has six legs and a body formed of three parts and that may have wings
: an animal (such as a spider) that is similar to an insect

See the full definition for insect in the English Language Learners Dictionary

insect

noun
in·​sect | \ ˈin-ˌsekt How to pronounce insect (audio) \

Kids Definition of insect

1 : any of a group of small and often winged animals that are arthropods having six jointed legs and a body formed of a head, thorax, and abdomen Flies, bees, and lice are true insects.
2 : an animal (as a spider or a centipede) similar to the true insects
Hint: This meaning is not scientifically accurate but may be encountered in common everyday use.

insect

noun
in·​sect | \ ˈin-ˌsekt

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