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Glite Dictionary
Bombus

Bombus

7.9
A large, hairy bee that helps flowers make seeds by moving pollen
  • noun
  • /ˈbɑːmbəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Bombus
  • Farmers encourage the presence of Bombus in their fields because they improve fruit and vegetable yields.
  • the bumblebee

Examples

  • In gardens, Bombus species can often be seen collecting nectar from various blossoms.

  • Raunchiest thing I ever read... ...that paper of yours on the mating habits of Bombus medius.

    The Swarm (1978)

  • The bluebell flower here is being visited by a bumblebee (Bombus bifarius).

    Academic text (2004)

  • The Bombus plays a crucial role in pollinating flowers, making it essential for many ecosystems.

Synonyms

bumblebee
vsBombus
32 2.2

A large hairy bee that buzzes loudly and moves pollen between flowers

is the scientific genus name focusing on classification rather than those natural details
humblebee
vsBombus
  • UK
7.7

A large fuzzy bee that gathers nectar from flowers

is the formal scientific genus name rather than the casual common name

Surface Forms

Bombus singular
Bombuses plural

Etymology

The word Bombus comes from an old Greek word meaning 'buzzing' or 'deep humming', the sound these bees make. That's why the name fits these large, hairy pollinators and is easy to remember if you think of the common word bumblebee.