ˈhȯrnə̇t, ˈhȯ(ə)n-, usu -ə̇d.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English hernet, harnette, from Old English hyrnet; akin to Old Saxon hornut hornet, Old High German hurnuz, hornaz, Middle Dutch horsel, Latin crabro hornet, Lithuanian šìršė wasp, and probably to Old English horn — more at horn
: any of the larger social wasps of the family Vespidae that are vigorous strong-flying insects with powerful stings, usually construct nests of macerated wood pulp resembling paper, and feed on both animal and vegetable matter — see giant hornet , white-faced hornet ; compare yellow jacket