— antlike , adj.
/ant/ , n.
1. any of numerous black, red, brown, or yellow social insects of the family Formicidae, of worldwide distribution esp. in warm climates, having a large head with inner jaws for chewing and outer jaws for carrying and digging, and living in highly organized colonies containing wingless female workers, a winged queen, and, during breeding seasons, winged males, some species being noted for engaging in warfare, slavemaking, or the cultivation of food sources.
2. have ants in one's pants , Slang. to be impatient or eager to act or speak.
[ bef. 1000; ME am ( e ) te, em ( e ) te, OE aemette; c. MLG amete, em ( e ) te, MD amete, OHG ameiza ( a- A- 3 + meizan to beat, cut, c. Albanian mih (he) digs), G Ameise. See EMMET, MITE 1 ]