Apis Mellifera

​In Latin Apis mellifera means the honey-carrying bee.

Apis - bee. Apis is the root for the english words:

• apiarist - a person who keeps bees;
• apiary - a place where hives for honey bees are kept.

Melli - honey. Melli is the root for the english words:

• mellifluous - pleasant and soothing to listen to, and sweet or rich in tone; or having a smooth, flowing sound;
• melissic acid - a long-chain fatty acid, found in beeswax;
• caramel.

Ferre - to carry. Ferre is the root for the english words:

• ​ferry;
• transfer

Of course, we all know that bees carry pollen and nectar, not honey. We can blame this mistake on Carl Lineaus, the father of Taxonomy. It would make more sense if bees were called Apis Mellifica.

Mellificus - honey making. Melli (honey), ficus (making).