aculeate

/əˈkjuːliɪt/
adjective
  1. Having a sting; stinging, as certain insects.
    • Many aculeate insects, like bees and wasps, are important pollinators.
    • The biologist studied the defensive behavior of aculeate species in the rainforest.
    • The aculeate wasp delivered a painful sting to the hiker.
  2. Having sharp prickles or spines, like a plant or animal.
    • The cactus is an aculeate plant adapted to survive in dry deserts.
    • The aculeate stem of the rose bush made it difficult to prune without gloves.
    • Some aculeate sea urchins can cause injury if stepped on.
Antonyms
noun
  1. A stinging insect, such as a bee, wasp, or ant.
    • The field guide included a section on identifying common aculeates.
    • Aculeates play a crucial role in controlling pest populations in gardens.
    • Children were taught to respect aculeates and observe them from a safe distance.
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