Word: Wasp
Part of Speech: Noun
Basic Definition: A "wasp" is an insect that usually has a slim body and can sting. Wasps are part of a group called "hymenopterans," which also includes bees and ants. They can live alone (solitary) or in groups (social).
Usage Instructions: - Use "wasp" to refer to the insect when talking about nature, gardening, or outdoor activities. - Be careful when mentioning wasps, as they can sting if they feel threatened.
Examples: 1. "I saw a yellow and black wasp flying near the flowers." 2. "Be careful not to disturb the wasp nest; they can be aggressive."
Advanced Usage: - In a more technical context, you might discuss the behavior of wasps, such as their role in pollination or their social structures in colonies. - In social discussions, "WASP" can be an acronym referring to a "White Anglo-Saxon Protestant," which is often used in sociological contexts to describe a particular cultural group in the United States.
Word Variants: - Plural: wasps - Related terms: waspish (adjective), meaning irritable or snappish, like a wasp.
Different Meanings: 1. Insect: Referring to the stinging insect. 2. Societal Term: A term used to describe a specific group of people in the U.S., often in discussions about social class and privilege.
Synonyms: - For the insect: hornet, yellow jacket (though these can refer to specific types of wasps). - For the societal term: none directly, but you might describe "WASPs" as members of the elite or upper class.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs: - There are no widely recognized idioms or phrasal verbs specifically related to "wasp," but you might hear phrases like "to be in a wasp's nest," meaning to be in a situation that is very complicated or dangerous.
Conclusion: A wasp is an interesting insect that plays a role in nature.