kelep

[ kel-ep, kuh-lep ]

noun

1. a stinging ant, Ectatomma tuberculatum, introduced into the U.S. from Guatemala, that preys on the boll weevil.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kelep¹

1900–05; < Kekchi (Mayan language of Guatemala)

Example Sentences

Mr Cook also found that the boll weevil was attacked, killed and eaten by an ant-like creature, the “kelep.”

From Project Gutenberg