backswimmer

[ bak-swim-er ]

/ ˈbækˌswɪm ər /

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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.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Also called boat bug.

Origin of backswimmer

First recorded in 1860–65; back¹ + swimmer

Words nearby backswimmer

back street, backstretch, backstroke, backstroker, backswept, backswimmer, backswing, backsword, backswordman, back talk, back the wrong horse