wasp /wosp/ [L, vespa] , a thin, narrow-waisted hymenopteran insect with two pairs of membranous wings that are folded lengthwise when at rest, like parts of a fan. Many species of wasps can give painful stings that produce severe effects in hypersensitive individuals. Unlike bees, a wasp can sting more than once. Treatment is as for bee stings. See also bee sting, yellow jacket venom.
