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.-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.-anything that gives acute pain, bodily or mental; as, the stings of remorse; the stings of reproach.-the thrust of a sting into the flesh; the act of stinging; a wound inflicted by stinging.-a goad; incitement.-the point of an epigram or other sarcastic saying.-to pierce or wound with a sting; as, bees will sting an animal that irritates them; the nettles stung his hands.-to pain acutely; as, the conscience is stung with remorse; to bite.-to goad; to incite, as by taunts or reproaches.