rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryinsectSix-legged animal
noun

insect

IN-sekt/ˈɪnsekt/

A small animal with six legs and a body divided into three main parts.

The insect's six legs extend from its clearly divided body.

A single ant viewed from above, with all six legs clearly separated and its head, thorax, and abdomen visibly distinct.
Etymology
inLatininto
+sectLatinto cut

“Into” and “cut” evoke an animal whose body looks notched or divided. The name refers to the visible divisions between an insect's body sections, rather than to an act of cutting.

In context

All Out Wildlife110:26
identify the insect's body parts head thorax or abdomin
Masters Of Disguise: Meet The Creatures Lurking In The Wilderness | Nature Documentary

More examples

  • Several insects gathered near the porch light.
  • An ant is an insect.
  • The child examined the insect through a magnifying glass.

Forms

insect · insects