velvet ant

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Word: Velvet Ant

Part of Speech: Noun

Usage Instructions:

• Basic Usage: You can use "velvet ant" when talking about this specific insect or when discussing insects in general.
• Example Sentence: "I saw a velvet ant in my garden; it was bright red and covered in soft hair."

Advanced Usage:

• In scientific contexts, you might describe the velvet ant's behavior, habitat, or role in the ecosystem.
• Example Sentence: "The velvet ant, despite its striking appearance, is known for its painful sting, making it a fascinating subject for entomologists."

Word Variants:

• Velvet Ants (plural): Referring to more than one velvet ant.

  • Example: "The velvet ants I found were all different colors."

• Velvet Ant-like (adjective): Describing something that resembles a velvet ant.

  • Example: "The creature had a velvet ant-like appearance but was actually a different type of insect."

Different Meanings:

• The term "velvet" on its own can refer to a type of soft fabric, while "ant" usually refers to any small insect that belongs to the family Formicidae. The combined term specifically refers to this particular wasp, not to be confused with regular ants.

Synonyms:

• There are no direct synonyms for "velvet ant," but it can be related to terms like "mutillid" or "cow killer," which is a nickname for certain species of velvet ants due to their painful sting.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no common idioms or phrasal verbs directly associated with "velvet ant." However, you might encounter phrases like "to be as tough as a velvet ant," which could be used to describe someone who is resilient or able to endure pain.

Summary:

A velvet ant is a unique and colorful insect known for its velvety texture and painful sting. When discussing insects, especially in a scientific context, it’s important to specify that you are referring to this particular wasp.

Academic

Noun

1. a solitary wasp of the family Mutillidae; the body has a coat of brightly colored velvety hair and the females are wingless