termites

Noun

termite (plural termites)

1. A white-bodied, wood-consuming insect of the infraorder Isoptera, in the order Blattodea.
   • 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...1802, Francis William Blagdon, Modern Discoveries; or, a Collection of facts and observations, volume IV, page 162

   Synonyms:

   termes, white ant, wood ant

2. A contemptible person.
   • This two faced termite has the nerve to talk.2019, Justin Blackburn, The Bisexual Christian Suburban Failure Enlightening Bipolar Blues, page 31

See all 3 meanings of termite

Noun

termes (plural termites)

1. A termite.
   • These turret nests, built by two different species of Termites.1781, Henry Smeathman, Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, LXXI, page 160