Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English homepage

Date: 1600-1700
Language: Latin
Origin: insectum, from insecare 'to cut into'; because insects have a body in separate parts

insect

 noun
     
Related topics: Insects
in‧sect [countable]
HBI a small creature such as a fly or ant, that has six legs, and sometimes wings:
an insect bite
flying insects
Don't forget to bring insect repellant (=a chemical to keep insects away).
Definition from the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English
Advanced Learner's Dictionary.

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