termite
[ tur-mahyt ]
/ ˈtɜr maɪt /
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noun
any of numerous pale-colored, soft-bodied, chiefly tropical social insects, of the order Isoptera, that feed on wood, some being highly destructive to buildings, furniture, etc.
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Also called white ant.
Origin of termite
1775–85; taken as singular of New Latin termites, plural of termes white ant, Latin tarmes wood-eating worm
Words nearby termite
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British Dictionary definitions for termite
termite
/ (ˈtɜːmaɪt) /
noun
any whitish ant-like social insect of the order Isoptera, of warm and tropical regions. Some species feed on wood, causing damage to furniture, buildings, trees, etcAlso called: white ant
Derived forms of termite
termitic (tɜːˈmɪtɪk), adjectiveWord Origin for termite
C18: from New Latin termitēs white ants, pl of termes, from Latin: a woodworm; related to Greek tetrainein to bore through
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Scientific definitions for termite
termite
[ tûr′mīt′ ]
Any of various pale-colored insects of the order Isoptera that live in large colonies and feed on wood. Termites resemble ants in their appearance, manner of living, and social organization, but are not closely related. Termites can be very destructive to wooden buildings and structures. Also called isopteran
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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