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Glite Dictionary
Monomorium minimum

Monomorium minimum

9.9
A tiny glossy black ant that nests outside and sometimes enters houses for food
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Monomorium minimum
  • The Monomorium minimum is frequently found invading kitchens during the summer months.

Examples

  • Pest control professionals are often called to eliminate Monomorium minimum infestations.

  • Researchers studied the colony structure of Monomorium minimum in urban environments.

  • The Monomorium minimum is often found in gardens.

  • I spotted a Monomorium minimum crawling on the sidewalk.

  • Pest control professionals are often called to eliminate Monomorium minimum infestations in homes.

  • The Monomorium minimum is notorious for invading kitchens in search of food during hot weather.

  • I often see Monomorium minimum swarming around pet food left outside.

Synonyms

little black ant
vsMonomorium minimum
  • US
3.0

A very small shiny black insect that lives in groups and often comes into houses for food

is the formal scientific name used by experts for the same species

Surface Forms

Monomorium minimum singular
Monomorium minimums plural

Morphology

Monomorium + minimum

The binomial combines the genus name Monomorium with the epithet minimum, and a learner who knows those constituents can infer it refers to a very small Monomorium ant (minimum → smallest). However, detailed traits in the full definition (glossy black coloration, nesting habits, tendency to invade houses) are not predictable from the words alone and biological Latin naming conventions may be partially unfamiliar to B1 learners, so the relation is only partly transparent.

Etymology

Monomorium minimum comes from the Latin words used by scientists; minimum means 'very small'. So the name gives a clear picture of a tiny ant that often enters houses looking for food.