termite
[ tur-mahyt ]
/ ˈtɜr maɪt /
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.
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
terminus,
terminus a quo,
terminus ad quem,
termitarium,
termitary,
termite,
termitic,
termiting,
termless,
termor,
terms
Example sentences from the Web for termite
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, etc
Also 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
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