insect Definition

any of a class (Insecta) of arthropods (such as bugs or bees) with well-defined head, thorax, and abdomen, only three pairs of legs, and typically one or two pairs of wings

any of numerous small invertebrate animals (such as spiders or centipedes) that are more or less obviously segmented —not used technically

a trivial or contemptible person

a small red cactus-feeding scale insect (Dactylopius coccus) the females of which are the source of cochineal

any of numerous small prolific homopterous insects (superfamily Coccoidea) that have winged males, wingless scale-covered females attached to the host plant, and young that suck the juices of plants and some of which are serious pests

an insect (such as a termite or bee) that lives in a colony or community with other individuals of the same species

spittlebug

any of various usually wingless phasmid insects (especially family Phasmatidae) with a long cylindrical body resembling a stick; broadly : phasmid