insect

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   An arthropod (in the Insecta class) characterized by six legs, up to four wings, and a chitinous exoskeleton.

   Our shed has several insect infestions, including ants, yellowjackets, and wasps.

2. 2
   noun

   Any small arthropod similar to an insect, including spiders, centipedes, millipedes, etc.

   The swamp is swarming with every sort of insect.

3. 3
   noun

   A contemptible or powerless person.

   The manager’s assistant was the worst sort of insect.

4. 4
   noun

   small air-breathing arthropod

5. 5
   noun

   a person who has a nasty or unethical character undeserving of respect

Etymology

From Middle French insecte, from Latin īnsectum, from īnsectus (“cut into, cut up, with a notched or divided body”), from perfect passive participle of īnsecō (“to cut into, to cut up”), from in- + secō (“to cut”), from the notion that the insect's body is "cut into" three sections (head, thorax, abdomen). Calque of Ancient Greek ἔντομον (éntomon, “insect”), from ἔντομος (éntomos, “cut into pieces”).