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bee

bee¹ definition

bee (bē)

noun

any of a large superfamily (Apoidea) of broad-bodied, four-winged, hairy hymenopteran insects that gather pollen and nectar, have biting as well as sucking mouthparts, and often live in organized colonies; esp., the honeybee

Etymology: ME < OE beo < IE base *bhei- > Ger biene, OPrus bitte, OIr bech

bee Idioms

have a bee in one's bonnet

to be obsessed with one idea
to be not quite sane

bee² definition

bee (bē)

noun

☆ a meeting of people to work together or to compete a sewing bee, spelling bee

Etymology: altered (prob. after bee) < dial bean, a social gathering to assist < ME bene, extra feudal service, a favor, boon < OE ben, compulsory service, request; akin to ON bon: see boon

bee³ definition

bee (bē)

noun

Naut. a piece of wood on each side of the bowsprit of a ship, used for fastening stays from the mast or foremast

in full bee block

Etymology: ME bei, bracelet < OE beah < bugen, to bend: see bow

bee⁴ definition

bee (bē)

noun

the letter B