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Hive Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hive

[haɪv ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

bees structure

A hive is a structure or container in which a colony of bees is kept. It provides a protective environment for bees to live, store honey, and raise their young. Hives can be made of various materials, such as wood or plastic, and come in different designs, including top-bar and Langstroth hives. Beekeepers manage hives to ensure the health and productivity of the bee colony, facilitating honey production and pollination.

Synonyms

apiary, beehive, pollinator home.

Examples of usage

  • The beekeeper checked the hive for honey production.
  • A swarm of bees quickly entered the new hive.
  • It is important to inspect the hive regularly to prevent diseases.
Context #2 | Verb

to gather

To hive means to gather or collect, especially in reference to bees or other social insects. When a group of bees leaves an old hive to establish a new one, they are said to hive. The term can also refer to the act of gathering people or things into a concentrated area or group, akin to how bees cluster within a hive.

Synonyms

assemble, cluster, gather.

Examples of usage

  • The bees will hive when they outgrow their current home.
  • We decided to hive our resources for the project.
  • They hived in the field for the harvest.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Ecology

  • A single hive can hold up to 60,000 bees, all working in a highly organized society.
  • In addition to honey, beeswax is produced in hives and has been used for candles and cosmetics for thousands of years.
  • Hives play a crucial role in pollination, helping plants grow, breed, and produce fruit.

Cultural Significance

  • Hives symbolize cooperation and community, often used as a metaphor for teamwork in literature and speeches.
  • In ancient Egypt, honey was considered a food of the gods, and hives were often featured in their art and hieroglyphs.
  • Beekeeping, or apiculture, has been practiced for over 9,000 years, showing the longstanding relationship between humans and bees.

Science

  • Inside a hive, bees communicate through dances, helping one another find flowers with nectar.
  • Honey produced in hives is known for its antibacterial properties, making it a natural food preservative.
  • The temperature inside a hive is carefully maintained by the bees, especially to keep eggs warm during development.

Technology

  • Modern beekeeping has seen the development of 'hive monitoring' technology to track bee health and productivity.
  • Some innovative designs for beehives aim to improve the welfare of bees and make honey extraction easier for beekeepers.
  • Research in 'smart beekeeping' uses sensors and data analysis to enhance hive management and bolster bee populations.

Origin of 'hive'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'hive' comes from the Old English 'hyf,' which means a shelter or cover.
  • In Middle English, 'hive' was used not just for bees, but also for places where other animals lived.
  • The concept has been recorded in various languages, indicating the essential role of bees in many cultures.

The word 'hive' originated from the Old English 'hyf,' which meant 'beehive' or 'a place of living for bees.' This term is believed to have Germanic roots, tracing back to the Proto-Germanic '*hufiz.' Throughout history, hives have been integral to beekeeping practices and have evolved significantly from simple clay or straw structures to the more advanced wooden and insulated hives used today. The concept and terminology surrounding hives can also be extended metaphorically to denote organization and communal living, reflecting the social behavior of bees. Over the centuries, hives have not only become a focal point for honey production but also symbolize industriousness and cooperation in various cultures.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,941, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.