SINCE 1828

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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

Origin and Etymology of 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 ³-ate

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First Known Use: 1826

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

aculeate

adjective acu·le·ate \ ə-ˈkyü-lē-ət \

medical Definition of aculeate

: having a sting

aculeate insects

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BROWSE DICTIONARY

aculea

Aculeata

aculeate

aculeiform

aculeolate

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