Honeycomb Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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honeycomb
[ˈhʌniˌkoʊm ]
Definition
natural structure
A honeycomb is a structure of hexagonal wax cells built by bees to store honey and pollen and to house their larvae. The hexagonal shape provides an efficient way to maximize storage space while minimizing the amount of wax needed. This remarkable architectural feat is an adaptation to ensure the survival of the colony. Honeycomb is also a popular natural sweetener used in cooking and baking.
Synonyms
bee cells, hive, wax structure.
Examples of usage
- The bees filled the honeycomb with golden honey.
- Honeycomb can be used as a crunchy topping for desserts.
- Beekeepers harvested the honeycomb from the hives.
- The honeycomb structure is fascinating to observe.
Translations
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Origin of 'honeycomb'
The word 'honeycomb' originates from the Old English 'hunigcamb', where 'hunig' means honey and 'camb' refers to comb or the form of a structure. The use of the term dates back to at least the 12th century, when beekeeping was becoming more prevalent in England. Over the centuries, the efficiency and engineering of honeycombs have fascinated humans, leading to numerous studies on the geometry of bee construction. The incorporation of the word into the English language reflects not only the importance of honey in ancient diets but also the ingenuity of bees. As honey was valued for its sweetness, the honeycomb itself became symbolic of abundance and nourishment in various cultures.