gaster
1
9.9
Large back part of an insect's body, like in ants or wasps
- noun
- /ˈɡæstər/
- Specialized
:
gáster
- Some wasps have a very pronounced gaster.
Examples
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The gaster of the ant swelled after it ate a large meal.
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The gaster of the ant is quite distinct.
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Scientists studied the gaster to understand how wasps digest their food.
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The color of the gaster can help identify different species of ants.
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In certain insects like ants, the gaster is the swollen part of the abdomen that holds resources.
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Foraging ants carry food in their gasters, which can expand significantly after feeding.
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A honey ant's gaster can become so large that it resembles a grape when filled with honey.
Surface Forms
Etymology
Gaster comes from the Greek word gaster meaning 'stomach' or 'belly'. So in insects like ants and wasps it names the large 'belly' part of the abdomen, which is why it means the enlarged part of the body.