English Explanatory Dictionary

termite

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A white-bodied, wood-consuming insect of the infraorder Isoptera, in the order Blattodea.
  2. A contemptible person.
verb
  1. Of a chimpanzee: to catch termites by inserting a stick or vine into their nest and waiting for them to climb up it.

Pronunciation

/ˈtɜː(ɹ).maɪt/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-termite.wav

Word forms

termite termites termiting termited

Etymology

Inferred singular of termites, the plural of Latin termes (“woodworm”), which was used for termites by Linnaeus.

Synonyms

termes white ant wood ant

Derived words

compass termite dampwood termite magnetic termite termite bug termite of the sea turmite Formosan termite cathedral termite drywood termite meridian termite spinifex termite subterranean termite termitarium termite mound termiticide
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