backswimmer

[ bak-swim-er ]

/ ˈbækˌswɪm ər /

noun

any of numerous predaceous aquatic hemipterous insects, of the family Notonectidae, that swim on their backs, and may inflict a painful bite if handled.

Nearby words

backstreet, backstretch, backstroke, backstroker, backswept, backswimmer, backswing, backsword, backswordman, backswordsman, backtalk

Origin of backswimmer

First recorded in 1860–65; back¹ + swimmer

Also called boat bug.