gnat

UK: næt | US: næt

Definition

  1. n. a small flying insect, typically one that bites or annoys humans or animals.

Structure

No data yet.

Etymology

"Gnat" traces back to Old English gnætt, meaning a small flying insect. It shares Proto-Germanic roots with similar words in Dutch (gnat) and German (Gnitze). The word's compact structure reflects its ancient origin, likely imitative of the buzzing sound made by these insects. Unlike compound words, "gnat" has no separable morphemes in modern English.

Examples

  1. A gnat buzzed around my head during the picnic.

  2. She swatted at the gnat but missed.

  3. Gnats are often attracted to ripe fruit.

  4. The campsite was infested with tiny gnats.

  5. He blinked as a gnat flew into his eye.