insect Definition

insect
noun

1. zool.
An invertebrate animal, such as the fly, beetle, ant and bee, belonging to the class Insecta, typically having a segmented body and two pairs of wings. See also entomology.
Thesaurus: bug, beetle, arthropod, mite, vermin, pest.
2. loosely
Any other small invertebrate, eg a spider.
3. derog
An insignificant or worthless person.

Etymology: Early 17c: from Latin insectum, meaning ‘cut' or ‘notched' (animal), from secare to cut.