fire ant

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Word: Fire Ant

Definition: A fire ant is a type of small, reddish-brown ant found mainly in tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. These ants are known for their painful sting, which can cause a burning sensation, hence the name "fire ant."

Usage Instructions:

• Part of Speech: Noun
• Countability: Fire ant is a countable noun, so you can say "one fire ant," "two fire ants," etc.

Example Sentences:

1. "I stepped on a fire ant hill, and now my foot hurts because of their sting."
2. "Fire ants build large mounds in the ground, and you should be careful not to disturb them."

Advanced Usage:

In more scientific contexts, you might come across the term "Solenopsis," which is the genus name for fire ants. This is useful if you're reading about biology or ecology.

Word Variants:

• Fire Ants (plural): More than one fire ant.
• Fire Ant Sting: Refers to the pain caused by the sting of a fire ant.

Different Meanings:

While "fire ant" primarily refers to the specific type of ant, in a broader context, the word "fire" can refer to heat or flames, but this is unrelated to the ant itself.

Synonyms:

• Red Imported Fire Ant: A common species of fire ant known for its aggressive behavior.
• Panic Ant: Another informal term that some people use, though it’s less common.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "fire ant," but the phrase "to fire up" means to become excited or energized, which might remind you of the "fire" part of the word.

Conclusion:

Fire ants are small but can be quite dangerous due to their painful sting. If you ever encounter them in the wild, it's best to keep your distance.

Academic

Noun

1. omnivorous ant of tropical and subtropical America that can inflict a painful sting