hornet
UK[ˈhɔː.nɪt]US[ˈhɔːr.nɪt]
n
A large wasp that can give a severe sting, typically living in nests made of papery material.
Etymology
The word "hornet" has a long history in the Germanic languages, tracing back to the Old English hyrnet or hurnitu. This is believed to be related to the Old High German hornaz and the Old Norse hyrnir, all referring to the insect. The name is thought to be connected to the horn-like structure of the insect's antennae or perhaps to the imagined horn-like quality of its sting, drawing from the Proto-Germanic root hurz-nut-, which is related to "horn." Over centuries, the term evolved phonetically from its Old English form into the modern "hornet," retaining its specific zoological reference to this type of large, stinging wasp.
Analysis
The word "hornet" is a simplex word of Germanic origin. It is not productively formed from smaller, meaningful morphemes in modern English.
Examples
A hornet's nest hanging from the tree branch was carefully removed by the exterminator.
He was stung by a hornet while gardening and his arm swelled up immediately.
The sudden criticism stirred up a hornet's nest of controversy online.