Insect

in′sekt, n. a word loosely used for a small creature, as a wasp or fly, with a body as if cut in the middle, or divided into sections: ( zool. ) an arthropod, usually winged in adult life, breathing air by means of tracheæ, and having frequently a metamorphosis in the life-history.— adj. like an insect: small: mean.— ns. Insectār′ium , a place where a collection of living insects is kept; Insec′ticide , act of killing insects.— adjs. Insec′tiform , Insec′tile , having the nature of an insect.— ns. Insec′tifuge , a substance which protects against insects; Insec′tion , an incision; In′sect-net , a light hand-net for catching insects; In′sect-pow′der , a dry powder used for stupefying and killing fleas and other insects, an insecticide or insectifuge. [Fr.,—L. insectum , pa.p. of insecāre — in , into, secāre , to cut.]