wasp etymology

Etymology

The word "wasp" has its origins in Old English, where it was known as "wæps" or "wæsp". The word "wæps" is thought to be derived from the Proto-Germanic root "*wēpsō", which means "wasp". This word is also related to the Old Norse word "vesp" and the Old High German word "wefsa".

Meaning and Origin

Wasps are a type of insect that belongs to the order Hymenoptera. They are characterized by their narrow waists and long, slender bodies. They are also known for their ability to sting. Wasps are social insects, and they live in colonies. They build their nests out of paper, which they make by chewing up wood fibers. Wasps are predators, and they feed on other insects. They are also known to scavenge for food, and they will often raid the nests of other insects.

Wasps are found all over the world, and there are over 30,000 species of wasp. The most common type of wasp is the yellow jacket, which is found in North America and Europe. Yellow jackets are social wasps, and they live in colonies of up to 5,000 individuals. They are aggressive insects, and they will often sting if they are disturbed.

Although wasps can be a nuisance, they also play an important role in the ecosystem. They help to control populations of other insects, and they are also a food source for birds and other animals.

wasp relate terms

  • weave

    Etymology Middle English weven from Old English wefan of Germanic origin related to

  • Vespa

    Etymology The word Vespa is derived from the Latin term vespa which means wasp

  • wasp

    Etymology The word wasp has its origins in Old English where it was known as wæps o

  • hornet

    Etymology The word hornet is derived from the Old English word hyrnet which in turn

  • paper

    Etymology The word paper originates from the Coptic word papyrus which refers to a w

  • center

    Etymology Old English center centre lt Middle English centre center lt Latin centr

  • swap

    Etymology Old English swappian to strike exchange sweep away from Proto West Ger

  • Caucasian

    Etymology Caucasus Derived from the ancient Greek Kaukasos the name of a mountain r

  • protestant

    Etymology The word protestant originates from the Latin verb protestari which means

  • white

    Etymology The word white originates from the Old English word hwit which is believe

  • reciprocal

    Etymology The word reciprocal is derived from the Latin word reciprocus which means

  • Pluto

    Etymology The name Pluto derives from the Greek god of the underworld Plouton which

  • convention

    Etymology The word convention comes from the Latin word conventio which means a com