wasp
/wɔsp/
Definition
- Noun:
- A stinging insect: A wasp is a flying insect, typically with a slender body, a narrow waist connecting the thorax and abdomen, and often a powerful sting. Many species are social, living in colonies, while others are solitary.
- A member of a specific social group (acronym): WASP is an acronym for "White Anglo-Saxon Protestant," historically used to describe white Americans of English Protestant ancestry who were part of the dominant social class.
Examples
- Noun (Insect):
- A wasp built a nest under our eaves.
- She was stung by a wasp while gardening.
- Noun (Acronym):
- The novel explores the traditions of the WASP establishment in New England.
- Historically, many country clubs had a predominantly WASP membership.
Advanced Usage
- "Wasp waist": A very slender waist, reminiscent of the insect's narrow abdomen.
- The Victorian dress emphasized a wasp waist.
- To be "waspish" (adjective derived from the insect's nature): To be sharp-tempered or snappish.
- Her waspish reply silenced the room.
Variants and Related Words
- Waspy (adj): Pertaining to or characteristic of WASPs (the social group).
- He attended a waspy boarding school.
- Waspish (adj): Resembling or characteristic of a wasp; irritable, sharp-tongued.
- The critic was known for his waspish wit.
Synonyms
- Insect: Hornet, yellowjacket.
- Social Group (context-dependent): Establishment, patrician (note: these are conceptual synonyms, not direct equivalents).
Related Phrases
- Wasp nest: The structure where wasps live.
- We had to call an exterminator to remove the wasp nest.
- Wasp sting: The injury caused by a wasp.
- He applied a cold compress to the wasp sting.
Noun
-
social or solitary hymenopterans typically having a slender body with the abdomen attached by a narrow stalk and having a formidable sting
-
a white person of Anglo-Saxon ancestry who belongs to a Protestant denomination
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