termite

Everyday

A small, pale insect that lives in large groups called colonies, eats wood, and builds big nests or mounds. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons termites are social insects with a queen, workers and soldiers. Their mounds in Africa and Australia can be taller than a person and have clever air channels. In everyday life, termites can damage wooden houses, so people check for them. Phrases: «termite mound», «termite colony», «termite damage».

Examples

• Termites live in huge colonies. tree →
• We saw tall termite mounds in Australia. tree →
• Termites ate the wooden steps of the old house. tree →
• A termite colony has a queen, workers and soldiers. tree →
• Some animals, like echidnas and aardvarks, eat termites. tree →
• The pest controller checked the house for termites. tree →
• Termite mounds stay cool inside because of air tunnels. tree →

Note

Countable. Myth trap: termites are often called «white ants», but they are not ants; they are more closely related to cockroaches. Termites have six legs, like all insects.