Aculeata

plural noun

Acu·​le·​a·​ta
ə-ˌkyü-lē-ˈä-tə,
-ˈā-tə
: a division of Hymenoptera including the bees, ants, and true wasps all characteristically having the ovipositor modified into a stinger

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, going back to Latin, neuter plural of aculeātus "having stingers or spines, stinging," from aculeus "stinger" + -ātus -ate entry 3

First Known Use

1831, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Aculeata was in 1831

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Dictionary Entries Near Aculeata

Cite this Entry

“Aculeata.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Aculeata. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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