termite

plural termites

1. A colonial insect of the infraorder Isoptera, in the order Blattodea; typically known for certain white-bodied species that devour and infest wood, though other species eat different plant matter, such as grasses.

   1 more example

   Linnæus describes this insect under the Latin name of Termes; and citizen Cuvier speaks of it under that of Termites. The vulgar call it by that of white ant, or fourmi vaguevague. The termites divide themselves into societies: each society builds itself a next, and each nest belongs to an innumerable quantity of these insects, who acknowledge for their chiefs a king and a queen.

   1802, Francis William Blagdon, Modern Discoveries; or, a Collection of facts and observations, volume IV, page 162

   Synonyms: termes, white ant, wood ant

2. A contemptible person.

   This two faced termite has the nerve to talk.

   2019, Justin Blackburn, The Bisexual Christian Suburban Failure Enlightening Bipolar Blues, page 31

present singular third person termites · participle present termiting · participle past termited · past termited

1. intransitiveOf a chimpanzee: to catch termites by inserting a stick or vine into their nest and waiting for them to climb up it.