termite
NounUS[tur-mahyt]/ˈtɝmaɪt/2 syllables
Synonyms:
white ant
Open English WordNet
Noun (1)termites
- whitish soft-bodied ant-like social insect that feeds on woodSynonyms: white antType of insectKinds Mastotermes electromexicus, Reticulitermes flanipes, Reticulitermes lucifugus, dry-wood termite, Mastotermes electrodominicus, Mastotermes darwiniensisMember of Isoptera, order Isoptera
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spuriousadjective
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Webster's Dictionary (1913)
Ter′mite noun; pl. Termites (#).
Origin: F. See Termes.
Zoology Any one of numerous species of pseudoneoropterous insects belonging to Termes and allied genera; — called also white ant. See Illust. of White ant.
☞ They are very abundant in tropical countries, and are noted for their destructive habits, their large nests, their remarkable social instincts, and their division of labor among the polymorphic individuals of several kinds. Besides the males and females, each nest has ordinary workers, and large-headed individuals called soldiers.
Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913), from GCIDE 0.54