Definition

Noun: A taxonomic family within the order Hymenoptera, commonly known as ants. This family comprises social insects characterized by colonial living, a distinct caste system (including workers, soldiers, and queens), and the ability to communicate and cooperate in complex ways.

Usage

The term "family Formicidae" is used in formal, scientific contexts such as entomology, biology, and taxonomy to classify and discuss ants as a group. It refers to the entire biological family, not individual ants.

Examples

• The study focused on the evolutionary history of the family Formicidae.
• Ants belonging to the family Formicidae are found on every continent except Antarctica.
• One defining trait of the family Formicidae is their elbowed antennae.

Advanced Usage

• In phylogenetic studies, the position of family Formicidae within the superfamily Formicoidea is well-established.
• The fossil record for family Formicidae dates back to the Cretaceous period.

Variants and Related Words

• Formicid (noun/adjective): A member of the family Formicidae; relating to ants.
  • Example: The formicid species exhibited unique foraging behavior.
• Ant (noun): The common name for any member of the family Formicidae.
• Myrmecology (noun): The branch of entomology concerned with the study of ants (family Formicidae).

Synonyms

• Ants
• Formicids (scientific)

Notes on Meaning

This is a singular, collective noun referring to the taxonomic category. It does not describe the physical form, behavior, or nest of an individual ant or colony. For those concepts, use the common noun "ant" or "ants."

Noun

1. ants