formic
9.5
Relating to ants or things they produce
- adjective
- /ˈfɔrmɪk/
- Specialized
:
fórmico
- Formic acid, derived from ants, can cause a painful sting when it comes into contact with skin.
Examples
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Scientists studied formic substances to better understand the chemical defenses of certain ant species.
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Many insects produce formic compounds to ward off predators and communicate with each other.
-
Formic acid is the active ingredient in the saliva of the
Compounds
formic acid
- Specialized
6.6
A colorless, strong-smelling liquid found in ants and some plants used to make dyes and kill insects
Surface Forms
formic positive
Etymology
Formic comes from the Latin formica, which means 'ant'. That's why formic can describe things that come from ants, like the acids or substances ants produce to defend themselves.
