Definition of sting

• v. t. - Any sharp organ of offense and defense, especially when connected with a poison gland, and adapted to inflict a wound by piercing; as the caudal sting of a scorpion. The sting of a bee or wasp is a modified ovipositor. The caudal sting, or spine, of a sting ray is a modified dorsal fin ray. The term is sometimes applied to the fang of a serpent. See Illust. of Scorpion.
• v. t. - A sharp-pointed hollow hair seated on a gland which secrets an acrid fluid, as in nettles. The points of these hairs usually break off in the wound, and the acrid fluid is pressed into it.
• v. t. - Anything that gives acute pain, bodily or mental; as, the stings of remorse; the stings of reproach.
• v. t. - The thrust of a sting into the flesh; the act of stinging; a wound inflicted by stinging.
• v. t. - A goad; incitement.
• v. t. - The point of an epigram or other sarcastic saying.
• v. t. - To pierce or wound with a sting; as, bees will sting an animal that irritates them; the nettles stung his hands.
• v. t. - To pain acutely; as, the conscience is stung with remorse; to bite.
• v. t. - To goad; to incite, as by taunts or reproaches.