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Definition of sphex

sphex

/ˈsfɛks/
sphex

Plural:sphexes
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sphex Lexical Profile

• noun

1

Any of various solitary digger wasps of the genus Sphex, which typically construct burrows in the ground and provision them with paralyzed insects for their offspring.

Example

"The entomologist observed the sphex meticulously digging a burrow in the sandy soil before dragging a paralyzed katydid inside."

• Rhymes for sphex

Word Origin & Etymology

From New Latin Sphex, derived from Ancient Greek sphēx (σφήξ), meaning 'wasp'.

Cite this Entry


Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Sphex. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/sphex
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