Plural of gnat; very small flying insects that often swarm around food, plants, or animals, known for being annoying pests.
From Old English gnaet, of Germanic origin; related to gnaw, possibly referring to their biting or nibbling behavior.
The etymology suggests gnats got their name because they 'gnaw'—which is brilliant because they're one of the few insects where the name literally describes what bothers us most!
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