imported fire ant

noun

: either of two mound-building South American fire ants (Solenopsis richteri and S. invicta) introduced into the southeastern U.S. that are agricultural pests and can produce stings requiring medical attention

Illustration of imported fire ant

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1949, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

imported fire ant

noun

: either of two small South American fire ants that are pests in the southeastern U.S. especially in fields used to grow crops

Medical Definition

imported fire ant

noun

im·​port·​ed fire ant im-ˈpȯrt-əd-ˈfī(ə)r-ˌant 

: either of two mound-building South American fire ants of the genus Solenopsis (S. invicta and S. richteri) that have been introduced into the southeastern United States, are agricultural pests, and can inflict stings requiring medical attention