(1):
(v. t.) 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.
(2):
(v. t.) Anything that gives acute pain, bodily or mental; as, the stings of remorse; the stings of reproach.
(3):
(v. t.) The thrust of a sting into the flesh; the act of stinging; a wound inflicted by stinging.
(4):
(v. t.) A goad; incitement.
(5):
(v. t.) 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.
(6):
(v. t.) The point of an epigram or other sarcastic saying.
(7):
(v. t.) To pierce or wound with a sting; as, bees will sting an animal that irritates them; the nettles stung his hands.
(8):
(v. t.) To pain acutely; as, the conscience is stung with remorse; to bite.
(9):
(v. t.) To goad; to incite, as by taunts or reproaches.