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.
Phrases and idioms:
ant-bear AARDVARK. ant (or ant's) eggs pupae of ants. ant-lion any of various dragonfly-like insects. white ant TERMITE.
Etymology: OE {aelig}met(t)e, emete (see EMMET) f. WG