termites

2 definitions found

termites - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Termes \Ter"mes\ (t[~e]r"m[=e]z), n.; pl. Termites
     (-m[i^]*t[=e]z). [L. termes, tarmes, -itis, a woodworm. Cf.
     Termite.] (Zool.)
     A genus of Pseudoneuroptera including the white ants, or
     termites. See Termite.
     [1913 Webster]

  Termite \Ter"mite\, n.; pl. Termites. [F. See Termes.]
     (Zool.)
     Any one of numerous species of pseudoneoropterous insects
     belonging to Termes and allied genera; -- called also
     white ant. See Illust. of White ant.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: They are very abundant in tropical countries, and are
           noted for their destructive habits, their large nests,
           their remarkable social instincts, and their division
           of labor among the polymorphic individuals of several
           kinds. Besides the males and females, each nest has
           ordinary workers, and large-headed individuals called
           soldiers.
           [1913 Webster]