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fire ant
noun
: any of a genus (Solenopsis) of fiercely stinging omnivorous ants
especially
: imported fire ant
Examples of fire ant in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Coconut rhinoceros beetles were detected for the first time on islands statewide in subsequent months, while little fire ants caused serious concern on Oahu's windward coast.
—CBS News, 24 Oct. 2024
On a grassy berm earlier this year, Alex Kolker — an Louisiana State University professor — sidestepped some fire ants and stood looking at the Venture Global plant.
—Ricky Carioti, Washington Post, 5 July 2024
Chemical compounds in the fire ant's venom, piperidine alkaloids, cause the pustule to form over a few hours.
—Amanda Gardner, Health, 27 May 2024
Then, two minutes and 52 seconds into Espinoza’s arrest footage, Rogers makes the first audible reference to fire ants.
—Emily Palmer, Peoplemag, 29 May 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1796, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near fire ant
Cite this Entry
“Fire ant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fire%20ant. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
fire ant
noun
: any of a genus of fiercely stinging ants
especially
: imported fire ant
Medical Definition
fire ant
noun
: any ant of the genus Solenopsis
especially
: imported fire ant
More from Merriam-Webster on fire ant
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fire ant
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