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Honeycomb

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The hexagonal shape of the beesʹ cells is generally ascribed to the instinctive skill of the bee, but is simply the ordinary result of mechanical laws. Solitary bees always make circular cells; and without doubt those of hive bees are made cylindrical, but acquire their hexagonal form by mechanical pressure. Dr. Wollaston says all cylinders made of soft pliable materials become, hexagonal under such circumstances. The cells of trees are circular towards the extremity, but hexagonal in the centre of the substance; and the cellular membranes of all vegetables are hexagonal also. (See Ant.)

Will Honeycomb. A fine gentleman. One of the members of the imaginary club from which the Spectator issued.

 

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A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Entry taken from Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, edited by the Rev. E. Cobham Brewer, LL.D. and revised in 1895.

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Homer Sometimes Nods
Homer’s Critics
Homeric Verse
Homœopathy
Honest (h silent)
Honest George
Honest Lawyer (An)
Honey Madness
Honey Soap
Honey better than Vinegar
Honeycomb
Honeydew
Honeymoon
Honeywood
Hong Merchants
Honi
Honour (h silent)
Honour and Glory Griffiths
Honour paid to Learning
Honours (h silent)
Honours of War

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