Similar-sounding old name given to animal and insect (8)
I believe the answer is:
assonant
'similar-sounding' is the definition.
I can't tell whether this definition defines the answer.
'old name given to animal and insect' is the wordplay.
'old name' becomes 'on' (this might be a standard abbreviation I've not previously seen).
'given to' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'animal' becomes 'ass' (term for a donkey).
'and' is a charade indicator (letters next to each other).
'insect' becomes 'ant' (ant is a kind of insect).
'on' put after 'ass' is 'asson'.
'asson'+'ant'='ASSONANT'
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for assonant that I've seen before include "Corresponding" , "Like mauve and taupe" , "Having similar sounds" , "Having resemblance in sound" , "describing courage with carriage" .)