n. 1. a. Any of numerous arthropod animals of the class Insecta, having an adult stage characterized by three pairs of legs and a body segmented into head, thorax, and abdomen and usually having one or two pairs of wings. Insects include the flies, crickets, mosquitoes, beetles, butterflies, and bees. b. Any of various other small, chiefly arthropod animals, such as spiders, centipedes, or ticks, usually having many legs. Not in scientific use. 2. An insignificant or contemptible person. [Latin īnsectum, from neuter past participle of īnsecāre, to cut up (translation of Greek entomon, segmented, cut up, insect) : in-, in; see IN-2 + secāre, to cut; see sek- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] insect′ adj. in′sec·tival (ĭn′sĕk-tīvəl) adj. |
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