FromОд {{etyl|frm|en}} {{m|frm|insecte}}, fromод {{etyl|la|en}} {{m|la|insectum||with a notched or divided body, cut up}}, fromод perfect passive participle of {{m|la|insecō||I cut up}}, fromод {{m|la|in-|}} + {{m|la|secō||I cut}}, fromод the notion that the insect's body is "cut into" three sections. Calque of Ancient Greek {{m|grc|ἔντομον||insect}}, fromод {{m|grc|ἔντομος||cut into pieces}}.