n. any small insect of a widely distributed hymenopterous family, living in complex social colonies, wingless (except for males in the mating season), and proverbial for industry. ant-bear = AARDVARK. ant (or ant's) eggs pupae of ants. ant-lion any of various dragonfly-like insects. white ant = TERMITE.
[ OE met(t)e, emete (see EMMET) f. WG ]