aculeate

adjective

Meaning

Having a stinger or sharp, needle-like point, particularly used to classify a group of stinging wasps, bees, and ants.

Examples

  • The entomologist carefully examined the aculeate specimen under the microscope to identify its family.
  • Aculeate insects are unique because they have evolved a specialized ovipositor that functions as a venomous stinger.

Synonyms: sharp, pointed, prickly, acuminate