myrmicine

noun

myr·​mi·​cine
ˈmərməˌsīn,
-sə̇n
plural -s
: any of a large subfamily of ants having the pedicel of the abdomen in two well-marked segments and including many of the commonly encountered forms (as the little black ant, leaf-cutting ants, and the pavement ant)

Word History

Etymology

New Latin Myrmicinae, subfamily of ants, from New Latin Myrmica, type genus (irregular from Greek myrmēk-, myrmēx ant) + -inae

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Cite this Entry

“Myrmicine.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/myrmicine. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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