Organs or appendages that certain animals use to inject venom or cause pain, or something that causes sharp hurt or disappointment.
From 'sting' (Old English 'stingan') combined with '-er' (agent suffix). The noun 'stinger' for the organ evolved from the verb for the sharp sensation.
Bee stingers are barbed and tear off when they sting—which kills the bee! It's the ultimate parental sacrifice, and scientists now understand bees have a 'sting or die trying' decision-making process that activates their venom glands.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.