ˈtərˌmīt, ˈtə̄ˌm-, ˈtəiˌm-, usu -īd.+V noun
( -s )
Etymology: New Latin Termit-, Termes genus of termites — more at termes
: any of numerous pale-colored soft-bodied social insects of the order Isoptera that live in colonies each consisting of distinct forms (as queen, male, wingless sterile workers and soldiers) that show incomplete metamorphosis, build or tunnel out large nests, and feed on wood and that include some (as Reticulitermes flanipes in United States and R. lucifugus in Europe) which are very destructive to wooden structures and trees