insect
//ˈɪn.sɛkt//
Forms
- Plural
- insects
Definitions
1.An arthropod (in the Insecta class) characterized by six legs, up to four wings, and a chitinous exoskeleton.
- Our shed has several insect infestations, including ants, yellowjackets, and wasps.
2.A contemptible or powerless person.
- The manager’s assistant was the worst sort of insect.
Frequency
Overall
Rare· #4125
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Rare
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Etymology
Borrowed from Middle French insecte, from Latin īnsectum, from īnsectus (“cut into, cut up, with a notched or divided body”), from perfect passive participle of īnsecō (“to cut into, to cut up”), from in- + secō (“to cut”), from the notion that the insect's body is "cut into" three sections (head, thorax, abdomen).