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Glite Dictionary
Termitidae

Termitidae

9.9
A large family of small insects that live in colonies and eat wood
  • noun
  • /tərˈmɪtɪˌdeɪ/
  • Specialized
: Termitidae
  • The Termitidae are among the most diverse and abundant termite families worldwide.

Examples

  • Researchers studied the nesting habits of Termitidae in tropical forests.

  • Many species in the Termitidae play an important role in decomposition and soil formation.

  • Look at the Termitidae!

  • The Termitidae family includes many species that are vital to ecosystems.

  • Many species in the Termitidae play an important role in decomposition and soil formation.

  • The Termitidae are among the most diverse and abundant termite families worldwide.

  • The Termitidae family includes many species that are vital to ecosystems.

Surface Forms

Termitidae singular
Termitidae plural

Morphology

Termitidae = termite (semi-transparent) = termite + idae

Formed from the English base 'termite' plus the specialized taxonomic suffix '-idae'; the root is clear but the suffix denotes a scientific family and is not productive in general English.

Etymology

The word Termitidae comes from the common word termite plus the scientific ending -idae, which means 'family' in animal names. So Termitidae literally means the 'termite family', which fits because it is the large group of termites that live in colonies and eat wood.