Honeycomb

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Honeycomb

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

noun (and verb, adjective)

Pronunciation

HUN-ee-kohm  /ˈhʌnikəʊm/

Definition

As a noun: the wax structure of hexagonal cells built by honeybees to store honey and pollen and to house developing larvae; any structure with a regular pattern of hexagonal cells resembling this. As a verb: to fill with cavities or tunnels so as to resemble a honeycomb; to undermine. As an adjective: honeycomb-patterned.

Plain meaning

A honeycomb is the wax structure of six-sided cells that bees build inside their hive to store honey and raise their young. The word is also used for anything with a similar hexagonal pattern of cells — honeycomb chocolate, honeycomb radiators, honeycomb materials used in engineering.

Register

Neutral as a natural history and biological term. Widely used in materials science, engineering, design, and confectionery. As a verb, to honeycomb (to undermine with tunnels or cavities) is vivid and moderately formal.