aculeate

adjective

acu·le·ate | \ə-ˈkyü-lē-ət

\

Definition of aculeate

: relating to or being hymenopterans (such as bees, ants, and many wasps) of a division (Aculeata) typically having the ovipositor modified into a stinger

History and Etymology for aculeate

after New Latin Aculeata, division of the insect order Hymenoptera, going back to Latin, neuter plural of aculeātus "having stingers or spines, stinging," from aculeus "stinger, spine (of a fish), sharp point, barb" (from acū-, stem of acus "needle" + -leus, noun suffix, perhaps originally diminutive) + -ātus -ate entry 3

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about aculeate

Dictionary Entries near aculeate

Statistics for aculeate

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for aculeate

The first known use of aculeate was in 1826

See more words from the same year

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for aculeate

aculeate

adjective

acu·le·ate | \ə-ˈkyü-lē-ət

\

Medical Definition of aculeate

: having a sting aculeate insects

WORD OF THE DAY

indoctrinate

to teach someone the beliefs of a group

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Roman Mythology Quiz

Boreal comes from the name of the ancient Greek god of which wind?

How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games