backswimmer
[ bak-swim-er ]
/ ˈbækˌswɪm ər /
Save This Word!
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.
QUIZZES
QUIZ YOURSELF ON PARENTHESES AND BRACKETS APLENTY!
Set some time apart to test your bracket symbol knowledge, and see if you can keep your parentheses, squares, curlies, and angles all straight!
Question 1 of 7
Let’s start with some etymology: What are the origins of the typographical word “bracket”?
First appeared around 1750, and is related to the French word “braguette” for the name of codpiece armor.
First appeared in 1610, based on the French word “baguette” for the long loaf of bread.
First appeared in 1555, and is related to the French word “raquette” for a netted bat.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT Also called boat bug.
Words nearby backswimmer
back street, backstretch, backstroke, backstroker, backswept, backswimmer, backswing, backsword, backswordman, back talk, back the wrong horse
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021