noun
termite
TUR-myte/ˈtɜːrmaɪt/
A small insect that lives in colonies and often feeds on wood.
A termite chews through the wood beneath the porch.
Etymology
Latin termes meant “woodworm” and was derived from terere, “to rub, wear, erode.” That image of wearing material away connects the name with the insect’s destruction of timber.
In context
it is so easy to overlook a termite exit hole because they can be so small
More examples
- Termites live in colonies with workers, soldiers, and a queen.
- Some termites grow wings and leave to start new colonies.
- The inspector checks the wooden beams for termite damage.
Forms
termite · termites