aculeate

adjective

acu·le·ate | \ ə-ˈkyü-lē-ət

How to pronounce aculeate (audio)

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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

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The first known use of aculeate was in 1826

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aculeate

adjective

acu·le·ate | \ ə-ˈkyü-lē-ət

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Medical Definition of aculeate

: having a sting aculeate insects

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