[tur-mahyt] 
| any of numerous pale-colored, soft-bodied, chiefly tropical social insects, of the order Isoptera, that feed on wood, some being highly destructive to buildings, furniture, etc. |
| ter·mite (tûr'mīt') n. Any of numerous pale-colored, usually soft-bodied social insects of the order Isoptera that live mostly in warm regions and many species of which feed on wood, often destroying trees and wooden structures. Also called white ant. [New Latin Termes, genus name, from Late Latin termes, termit-, woodworm, alteration of Latin tarmes.] |
| termite (tûr'mīt') Pronunciation Key
Any of various pale-colored insects of the order Isoptera that live in large colonies and feed on wood. Termites resemble ants in their appearance, manner of living, and social organization, but are not closely related. Termites can be very destructive to wooden buildings and structures. Also called isopteran. |