Pronunciation: [wˈɒsps] (IPA) 
The word "wasps" is spelled with a silent "s". The "a" is pronounced as in "cat" /kæt/ and the "w" is pronounced as in "we" /wi/. The "s" at the end is not pronounced and is used to indicate that the word is plural. The IPA phonetic transcription for "wasps" is /wɑːps/. This spelling can be tricky for non-native speakers, so it's important to listen for the correct pronunciation and practice saying it aloud.
Wasps are a specific type of flying insect belonging to the order Hymenoptera and suborder Apocrita. They are generally characterized by having slender bodies with a constricted waist, narrow wings, and a pair of antennae. Wasps can vary in size, ranging from as small as a few millimeters to several centimeters in length.
These insects are known for their distinctive coloration, usually featuring bright yellow and black stripes across their bodies. However, wasp species can also have different color patterns, such as metallic blues and greens. Some species of wasps are also known for their aggressive behavior and ability to deliver painful stings, which they primarily use for self-defense or subduing prey.
Wasps are primarily carnivorous, feeding on other insects, spiders, and various types of nectar. They are considered to be beneficial to ecosystems as they help control populations of pests and pollinate certain plants. Additionally, wasps play an essential role in decomposing organic matter and aid in nutrient recycling.
Many wasp species are social insects, living in colonies and displaying intricate division of labor. They build nests, often made of plant fibers mixed with saliva, that can be found in various locations such as trees, underground burrows, or man-made structures. The nest structures can range from open combs to enclosed hornet-like structures with a single entrance.
Despite their fearsome reputation, wasps generally do not pose a significant threat to humans unless provoked. However, individuals who are allergic to their venom may experience severe allergic reactions if stung.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "wasps" has its etymology rooted in Old English, coming from the Proto-Germanic word "wæfsô" or "wæpsô". It is believed to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European root word "*wopsā", which denotes an insect that stings. This root word, in turn, is related to the Proto-Indo-European word "*wops", meaning "to sting". Over time, the word evolved through various Old English and Middle English forms until it became "wasps" in Modern English.
