Cynips

noun Cyn·ips \ ˈsinə̇ps \

Definition of Cynips

: a genus (the type of the family Cynipidae) of small gall wasps including a number that form galls on oaks

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Origin and Etymology of cynips

New Latin, probably from Latin cinyphes, cinyphum gnat, modification of Greek knips insect infesting fig and oak trees; akin to Greek sknips, a kind of small worm, Middle English nippen to nip