Vespid
/ˈvɛspɪd/noun
A wasp of the family Vespidae.
Did you know?Vespid is a scientific term built on the Latin root *vespa* (“wasp”), the same root behind names like *Vespa* for the scooter brand chosen to evoke a wasp’s sleek, dangerous speed.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*wes-
“To shine; by extension, the setting sun / evening-associated westward direction in later descendants.”
Latin
Latin
vespa
“Wasp.”
Late Latin
Latin
vesp-
“A wasp, as the stem used in learned formation.”
19th Century
English
vespid
“Relating to or belonging to wasps; a wasp-like insect.”
Modern English
English
vespid
“A wasp of the family Vespidae.”