Gnăt, n.

(năt), n. [A-S. gnät; L. Ger. gnid, a small kind of gnat, from A-S. gnîdan, to rub, O. Eng. gnide.] (Entom.) A delicate blood-sucking fly of the genus Culex, having a long proboscis, and undergoing a metamorphosis in the water. The females have the proboscis armed with lancet-like stings, and are famous for the annoyance they create. The males are destitute of stings, and are further distinguished by their plume-like antennæ. The mosquito is a well-known example of the genus.