/hun"ee kohm'/ , n.
1. a structure of rows of hexagonal wax cells, formed by bees in their hive for the storage of honey, pollen, and their eggs.
2. a piece of this containing honey and chewed as a sweet.
3. anything whose appearance suggests such a structure, esp. in containing many small units or holes: The building was a honeycomb of offices and showrooms.
4. the reticulum of a ruminant.
5. Textiles.
a. Also called waffle cloth . a fabric with an embossed surface woven in a pattern resembling a honeycomb.
b. the characteristic weave of such a fabric.
adj.
6. having the structure or appearance of a honeycomb.
v.t.
7. to cause to be full of holes; pierce with many holes or cavities: an old log honeycombed with ant burrows.
8. to penetrate in all parts: a city honeycombed with vice.
[ bef. 1050; ME huny-comb, OE hunigcamb. See HONEY, COMB 1 ]