Large social wasps known for their painful stings and aggressive defense of their nests when threatened.
From Old English 'hyrnet', related to 'horn' due to their prominent horn-like antennae. The word shares Germanic roots with similar terms in German and Dutch, reflecting the widespread recognition of these insects.
Hornets are actually less aggressive than regular wasps when left undisturbed, despite their fearsome reputation. Their name's connection to 'horn' reflects medieval people's keen observation of their distinctive antennae, showing how etymology often preserves ancient biological knowledge.
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