Definition

A small animal that has six legs, a body divided into three parts (head, thorax, abdomen), and often wings. Examples include flies, bees, and butterflies.

Example

The garden was full of colorful insects buzzing around the flowers.

Conversation

Did you see that big insect on the wall earlier?

Yeah, it looked like a giant beetle!

I wonder what kind of insect it was.

Probably just a common one, but it sure was creepy!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Insect → It is derived from the Latin word "insectum" (meaning cut into or divided), which comes from the root "insecare" (meaning to cut). The term originally referred to the segmented body of these creatures, as they appear to be cut into sections.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'insect' as referring to creatures that are 'cut into' sections, which helps you remember that insects have segmented bodies.

Visually Confused Words