Bumblebee

/ˈbʌmbəlbiː/ noun

Definition

A large, fuzzy bee with a round body that makes a loud buzzing sound and produces honey.

Etymology

From Middle English 'bumble' (to buzz or boom) plus 'bee'. The 'bumble' part is imitative, imitating the loud sound the bee makes. The compound word formed in the 1500s.

Kelly Says

Bumblebees are surprisingly bad fliers according to physics—their wings are too small for their chubby bodies—but they beat their wings so fast (200 times per second!) that they can fly anyway, though not very efficiently.

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