Stingless is spelled with eight letters, starting with the consonant cluster /st/. The first vowel is /ɪ/ and the second vowel is /ɛ/. The word ends with the consonant cluster /ləs/. The IPA transcription of stingless is /ˈstɪŋləs/. This term is used to describe a species, such as bees or wasps, that have an absence of the ability to sting, making them safe to handle. By understanding the IPA phonetic transcription, we can break down the spelling of the word and understand its pronunciation.
Stingless is an adjective that describes something or someone devoid of a stinger. This term is most commonly used to refer to insects, particularly in the context of bees or wasps, whose stingers are modified ovipositors or appendages used to inject venom or deliver a painful bite. Stingless insects typically lack the defensive weapon that their stinging counterparts possess, making them unable to cause injury or harm through a sting.
The term 'stingless' can also be attributed to other animals, like certain scorpions or ants, that have a similar defensive mechanism. In these cases, the absence of a sting ensures a more peaceful coexistence with humans and other organisms, as they are not equipped to deliver venom or cause discomfort through stinging.
More generally, 'stingless' can also be used figuratively to describe individuals or situations that lack the potential to cause harm or trouble. For instance, if someone refers to a speech as 'stingless,' they mean that it lacks any contentious or controversial elements and is unlikely to provoke strong reactions or disputes.
In conclusion, when something is referred to as 'stingless,' it indicates the absence of a stinger in insects or similar animals, or the lack of potential to cause harm or provoke a strong reaction in a figurative sense.
Having no sting; harmless.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word stingless is derived from the combination of the noun sting, which comes from Old English stingan meaning to pierce or to stab, and the suffix -less, which is added to words to indicate the absence or lack of a particular quality. When these two elements are combined, stingless is formed, meaning without a sting or lacking a stinging ability.