Termite Meaning
/ˈtɜː(ɹ).maɪt/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounA white-bodied, wood-consuming insect of the infraorder Isoptera, in the order Blattodea.
nounA contemptible person.
Sentence Examples
Our house has a termite problem.
Flavio created a hybrid between a termite and a bee.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The old barn was infested with ____ insects that damaged the wood.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The wooden beams of the old house were severely damaged by a ____ infestation that had gone unnoticed for several years today.
Word Origin & History
Inferred singular of termites, the plural of Latin termes (“woodworm”), which was used for termites by Linnaeus.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"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:
"This two faced termite has the nerve to talk."
— 2019, Justin Blackburn, The Bisexual Christian Suburban Failure Enlightening Bipolar Blues, page 31:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The old barn was infested with ____ insects that damaged the wood.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The wooden beams of the old house were severely damaged by a ____ infestation that had gone unnoticed for several years today.