insectless
|in-sect-less|
/ˈɪn.sɛkt.ləs/
without insects
Etymology
'insectless' is a modern English compound formed from 'insect' + the suffix '-less'; 'insect' ultimately comes from Latin 'insectum' (from the verb 'insecare'/'insecare' meaning 'cut into'), and the suffix '-less' comes from Old English 'lēas' meaning 'free from' or 'without'.
'insect' entered English via Latin/Medieval Latin ('insectum') and became 'insect' in Modern English; '-less' derives from Old English 'lēas' and survived into Modern English as a productive suffix. The compound 'insectless' was formed in Modern English by combining these elements.
Originally 'insect' (Latin 'insectum') related to the idea 'cut into' (referring to segmented bodies), and '-less' originally meant 'free from'; over time 'insect' became the standard word for the animal, and the compound 'insectless' has the straightforward modern meaning 'without insects'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the state or condition of being without insects (the noun form derived from the adjective).
The insectlessness of the stored grain was confirmed by inspection.
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Adjective 1
without insects; free from insects.
The insectless greenhouse allowed seedlings to grow without pest damage.
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Adverb 1
in a manner that is without insects (rare/derived adverb form).
They kept the lab insectlessly clean to avoid contamination.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/09 22:58