pollen basket: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical
Quick answer
What does “pollen basket” mean?
A specialized structure on the hind leg of certain bees, used to collect and transport pollen back to the hive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specialized structure on the hind leg of certain bees, used to collect and transport pollen back to the hive.
By extension, a highly efficient or specialized storage/carrying mechanism in nature; sometimes used metaphorically for any designated, efficient storage area.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or spelling. Both use the same compound noun.
Connotations
Neutral and technical in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both, confined to entomology, biology, and nature writing.
Grammar
How to Use “pollen basket” in a Sentence
[bee] has/uses a pollen basketthe pollen basket on [bee's leg]loaded/carrying [pollen] in its pollen basketVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly metaphorical for efficient logistics or storage.
Academic
Used in entomology, zoology, and botany papers.
Everyday
Very rare, only in detailed nature observation or beekeeping.
Technical
Standard term in apiculture and bee biology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “pollen basket”
Neutral
Weak
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “pollen basket”
- Using 'pollen basket' for structures on other insects (e.g., butterflies).
- Calling it a 'pocket' or 'sac' instead of the specific term 'basket'.
- Misspelling as 'pollen basket' (one word).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, only female honey bees and bumblebees possess a true pollen basket (corbicula). Many other bees carry pollen differently, such as in scopal hairs.
Yes, it is an anatomical analogy. The structure isn't a woven basket but a smooth, concave area fringed with hairs that functions like one.
Yes, when a foraging bee returns with brightly coloured pollen loads on its hind legs, the bulging 'baskets' are often visible.
The scientific term is 'corbicula'.
A specialized structure on the hind leg of certain bees, used to collect and transport pollen back to the hive.
Pollen basket is usually technical in register.
Pollen basket: in British English it is pronounced /ˈpɒlən ˌbɑːskɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈpɑːlən ˌbæskɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a bee wearing tiny cargo shorts with a special, hairy 'basket' pocket on its thigh, just for pollen.
Conceptual Metaphor
NATURE'S SHOPPING BAG; A SPECIALIZED TOOL/CONTAINER.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a pollen basket?