insect

Definitions

in- here means 'into' (not the negative 'not') + sect (cut) = 'cut into.' Latin insectum described the way a bug's body looks notched or grooved — divided into head, thorax, and abdomen as if cut into sections. So the name describes the segmented anatomy, not anything the insect cuts.

Why It Means This

Why is a bug called a 'cut-into' thing? Look closely at any beetle or ant: its body isn't one smooth piece but a chain of segments — head, thorax, abdomen — with visible grooves between them, as if a blade had notched it. Romans saw exactly that and called it insectum, 'the cut-into one.' The English word is a direct translation of that observation. The easy trap is reading the in- as 'not' (like in inactive); here it means 'into.'

Common Collocations

• 1.insect repellent驱虫剂
• 2.insect bite蚊虫叮咬
• 3.insect species昆虫物种
• 4.flying insect飞虫
• 5.beneficial insect益虫

Example Sentences

• 1.

  Bees and ants are highly social insects.

• 2.

  The summer garden was buzzing with insects.