Definition

1. Noun:
   • A sharp stinging blow: A physical strike that causes a sharp, painful sensation.
   • A sharp organ of offense or defense: A pointed bodily structure, often connected to a poison gland, used by animals like wasps, stingrays, or scorpions to inject venom.
   • A portable low-altitude surface-to-air missile system: A shoulder-fired weapon using infrared guidance.
   • A remark capable of wounding mentally: A cutting, hurtful comment.
   • A cocktail: A drink made with crème de menthe and brandy.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Animal organ):
  • The wasp's stinger was left in my skin after it attacked.
  • Be careful of the scorpion's stinger; it is highly venomous.
• Noun (Hurtful remark):
  • His criticism ended with a real stinger that left her speechless.
  • The review was mostly positive but contained one painful stinger.
• Noun (Weapon system):
  • The soldier carried a Stinger missile to defend against aircraft.
• Noun (Cocktail):
  • He ordered a stinger at the bar, his favorite after-dinner drink.

Advanced Usage

• "The sting in the tail / The sting in the story": This idiom is conceptually related to 'stinger' as a hurtful ending. It refers to an unpleasant or surprising conclusion.
  • The contract seemed fair, but there was a real sting in the tail regarding early termination fees.

Variants and Related Words

• Sting (verb/noun): The act of piercing with a stinger or causing sharp pain; a sharp, burning sensation.
  • Bees will sting if threatened.
  • I felt the sting of the antiseptic on the cut.
• Stinging (adjective): Causing a sharp, burning pain, either physical or emotional.
  • She made a stinging rebuke.

Synonyms

• Barb: A sharp projection, often on a wire or a remark.
• Dart: A small, pointed missile; can refer to a stinging organ.
• Jibe: A taunting remark (synonym for the verbal sense).
• Missile: A weapon (synonym for the weapon system sense).

Related Phrases

• To have a sting in one's tail: To have a hidden and unpleasant consequence or ending.
  • The new policy seems helpful, but it may have a sting in its tail.

Noun

1. a sharp stinging blow
2. a sharp organ of offense or defense (as of a wasp or stingray or scorpion) often connected with a poison gland
3. a portable low altitude surface-to-air missile system using infrared guidance and an impact fuse; fired from the shoulder
4. a remark capable of wounding mentally
   • the unkindest cut of all
5. a cocktail made of made of creme de menthe and brandy