yellow jacket

yellow jacket
1. any of several paper wasps of the family Vespidae, having black and bright yellow bands.
2. Slang. a yellow capsule of phenobarbital.
[1790-1800, Amer.]

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Any of 35–40 species (genus Dolichovespula or Vespula) of social wasps, principally of the Northern Hemisphere, named for the black bands on its yellow abdomen.

They differ from other wasps in having their wings folded longitudinally when at rest. Dolichovespula species typically build exposed nests. Vespula species build concealed nests underground or in protected cavities; when a nest is stepped on, the colony may erupt in an angry, stinging swarm. Nest size varies widely; some nests can be held in one hand, whereas nests in warmer climates may weigh half a ton.

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Universalium. 2010.

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  • yellow jacket — n 1) any of various yellow marked social wasps (esp. genus Vespula of the family Vespidae) that usu. nest in the ground, aggressively defend their nests, and can sting repeatedly and painfully 2) slang pentobarbital esp. in a yellow capsule usu.… …   Medical dictionary

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  • yellow jacket — /ˈjɛloʊ dʒækət/ (say yeloh jakuht) noun 1. Australian History a convict. See yellow (def. 2). 2. any of several social wasps of the family Vespidae, having the body marked with bright yellow. 3. Also, yellow jack. any of various species of… …  

  • yellow jacket — noun 1. a barbiturate (trade name Nembutal) used as a sedative and hypnotic and antispasmodic • Syn: ↑pentobarbital sodium, ↑pentobarbital, ↑Nembutal • Usage Domain: ↑trade name (for: ↑Nembutal) …   Useful english dictionary

  • yellow jacket — noun Date: 1796 1. any of various small yellow marked vespid wasps (especially genus Vespula) that commonly nest in the ground and can sting repeatedly and painfully 2. slang pentobarbital especially in a yellow capsule …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • yellow jacket — n. paper wasp that has black and shiny yellow strips; (Slang) yellow capsule of phenobarbital …   English contemporary dictionary

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