1.
[syn: leaf-cutting bee, leaf-cutter, leaf-cutter bee]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
leaf cutter \leaf cutter\, leaf-cutter \leaf-cutter\n. (Zool.)
Any one of various species of wild bees of the genus
Megachile, which cut rounded pieces from the edges of
leaves, or the petals of flowers, to be used in the
construction of their nests, which are made in holes and
crevices, or in a leaf rolled up for the purpose. Among the
common American species are Megachile brevis and Megachile
centuncularis. Called also rose-cutting bee.
Syn: leaf-cutting bee, leaf-cutter bee.
[1913 Webster + WordNet 1.5]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
leaf-cutter
n 1: bee that cuts rounded pieces from leaves and flowers to
line its nest [syn: leaf-cutting bee, leaf-cutter,
leaf-cutter bee]