Definition

Noun: 1. A type of aggressive, stinging ant: A fire ant is an omnivorous ant species native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas. It is known for its painful, burning sting, which can cause raised, itchy welts and, in some cases, severe allergic reactions in humans and animals.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Be careful in that field; it's infested with fire ants.
  • The fire ant mound was large and easily visible in the grass.
  • He had a severe reaction to a fire ant sting and needed medical attention.

Advanced Usage

• Ecological Impact: The term is often used in discussions about invasive species, as some fire ant species (like the red imported fire ant, ) have spread to other parts of the world, disrupting local ecosystems and agriculture.
  • The spread of the red imported fire ant has become a major agricultural pest.

Variants and Related Words

• Red imported fire ant (RIFA): A specific, highly invasive and aggressive species () known for its painful sting and large, dome-shaped mounds.
• Ant: The general category of social insects to which the fire ant belongs.

Synonyms

• Stinging ant: A general descriptive term.
• : The scientific name for the red imported fire ant.

Related Phrases

• Fire ant mound: The above-ground nest structure built by a colony of fire ants.
  • Do not disturb a fire ant mound.
• Fire ant sting: Refers specifically to the act or injury caused by the ant's venom.
  • The fire ant sting is known for its burning sensation.

Noun

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