termite
termite — noun
1. a small, pale social insect that forms large colonies, eats wood as its main foo
a small, pale social insect that forms large colonies, eats wood as its main food source, and can seriously damage buildings, furniture, and trees
The inspector found active termite tunnels inside the old wooden cabin.
collocation: termite tunnels
Lien saw a tall termite mound behind her grandmother's house in the village.
Amira's family spent thousands fixing termite damage in their kitchen floor.
Mateo learned that termites help return nutrients to the soil by breaking down dead wood.
The exterminator discovered a large termite colony living under the porch for years.
- white ant
used informally but biologically incorrect — termites are not ants
用法筆記
Termites are often confused with ants, but they are a separate insect group. A termite has a thick waist and straight antennae, while an ant has a pinched waist and bent antennae.