n. 1 a any arthropod of the class Insecta, having a head, thorax, abdomen, two antennae, three pairs of thoracic legs, and usu. one or two pairs of thoracic wings. b (loosely) any other small segmented invertebrate animal. 2 an insignificant or contemptible person or creature. insectile adj.
[ L insectum (animal) notched (animal) f. insecare insect- (as IN-(2), secare cut) ]