gaster

[ gas-ter ]

noun

(in ants, bees, wasps, and other hymenopterous insects) the part of the abdomen behind the petiole.

Origin of gaster

First recorded in 1905–10, gaster is from the Greek word gastḗr paunch, belly

Henriette had been to a bridge afternoon at Mrs. gaster's and upon her return manifested an extraordinary degree of excitement.
Mrs. Raffles | John Kendrick Bangs
The first big coup after my arrival, as the result of her genius, was in the affair of Mrs. gaster's maid.
Mrs. Raffles | John Kendrick Bangs
It took me a week to get at the iron-master; but finally, thanks to Mrs. gaster's letter of introduction, I succeeded.
Mrs. Raffles | John Kendrick Bangs
But among them was a gaster who was calmer than the swearer, and more prudent and conciliating than those he swore against.
Imaginary Conversations and Poems | Walter Savage Landor
Insurrection borders on mind, riot on the stomach; gaster grows irritated; but gaster, assuredly, is not always in the wrong.
Les Misrables | Victor Hugo

Browse