termite
/ˈtɜː(ɹ).maɪt/ · ter.mite
noun
- A white-bodied, wood-consuming insect of the infraorder Isoptera, in the order Blattodea. The termite infestation damaged the wooden beams of the old house.
- A termite is often referred to as a white ant. The farmer sprayed the fields to prevent white ants from destroying the crops.
verb
- Of a chimpanzee: to catch termites by inserting a stick or vine into their nest and waiting for them to climb up it. The chimpanzee termited the stick into the termite mound, waiting for the insects to climb up and feed on the bait.
Did you know? Chimpanzees have been observed using tools to termite, a behavior that showcases their intelligence and adaptability.