Main Entry:

in·sect

Pronunciation:

\ˈin-ˌsekt\

Function:

noun

Etymology:

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

Date:

1601

1 a: any of numerous small invertebrate animals (as spiders or centipedes) that are more or less obviously segmented —not used technically b: any of a class (Insecta) of arthropods (as bugs or bees) with well-defined head, thorax, and abdomen, only three pairs of legs, and typically one or two pairs of wings2: a trivial or contemptible person

— insect adjective

[insect illustration]