Sphecidae

plural noun

Spheci·​dae
ˈsfēsəˌdē,
-fes-
: a family of solitary wasps (superfamily Sphecoidea) having the first segment of the abdomen generally prolonged into a long smooth cylindrical petiole and including the mud daubers and some digger wasps

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Sphec-, Sphex, type genus + -idae

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Sphecidae

Cite this Entry

“Sphecidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Sphecidae. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!