corbicula: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “corbicula” mean?
A small, hard structure on the hind leg of a worker honeybee or bumblebee, used for carrying pollen.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small, hard structure on the hind leg of a worker honeybee or bumblebee, used for carrying pollen.
In zoology, a technical term for the pollen basket, a concave, smooth area fringed by long, curved hairs on the tibia of a bee's hind leg.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant regional differences in meaning or usage, as it is a highly technical term.
Connotations
None beyond its strict scientific definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialised in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “corbicula” in a Sentence
The [type of bee] uses its corbicula to [action].Pollen is packed into the corbicula.Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used exclusively in entomology, zoology, and biology texts and research papers.
Everyday
Virtually never used in everyday conversation.
Technical
The primary context. Describes a specific anatomical feature of bees.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “corbicula”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “corbicula”
- Using it to refer to any small basket.
- Incorrect pluralisation: 'corbiculas' (correct: corbiculae).
- Assuming it is a common word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is a highly specialised scientific term used almost exclusively in entomology.
The correct plural is 'corbiculae' (pronounced /kɔːrˈbɪkjʊliː/).
No. It is a defining feature of bees in the family Apidae, such as honeybees and bumblebees. Other bees use different structures (like a scopa) to carry pollen.
It would be extremely unusual and likely confusing. In everyday contexts, 'pollen basket' is the appropriate term, though still quite technical.
A small, hard structure on the hind leg of a worker honeybee or bumblebee, used for carrying pollen.
Corbicula is usually technical/scientific in register.
Corbicula: in British English it is pronounced /kɔːˈbɪkjʊlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /kɔːrˈbɪkjələ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'CORE' of the bee's leg for 'CORBICULA' carries pollen, like a 'little basket' (from Latin).
Conceptual Metaphor
A natural basket or saddlebag.
Practice
Quiz
What is a 'corbicula'?