n.
Pronunciation: ' in- ˌ sekt
Function: noun
Etymology: Latin insectum, from neuter of insectus, past participle of insecare to cut into, from in- + secare to cut ― more at SAW
Date: 1601
1 a : any of numerous small invertebrate animals (as spiders or centipedes) that are more or less obviously segmented ― not used technically b : any of a class (Insecta) of arthropods (as bugs or bees) with well-defined head, thorax, and abdomen, only three pairs of legs, and typically one or two pairs of wings
2 : a trivial or contemptible person
– insect adjective
insect 1b: 1 labial palpus, 2 maxillary palpus, 3 simple eye, 4 antenna, 5 compound eye, 6 prothorax, 7 tympanum, 8 wing, 9 ovipositor, 10 spiracles, 11 abdomen, 12 metathorax, 13 mesothorax