formicary

[ fawr-mi-ker-ee ]

noun

, plural for·mi·car·ies.

1. an ant nest.

formicary

/ ˌfɔːmɪˈkɛərɪəm; ˈfɔːmɪkərɪ /

noun

1. less common names for ant hill

Word History and Origins

Origin of formicary¹

1810–20; < Medieval Latin formīcārium ant hill, noun use of neuter of *formīcārius of, pertaining to ants. See formic, -arium

Word History and Origins

Origin of formicary¹

C19: from Medieval Latin formīcārium see formic

Example Sentences

At one formicary half a dozen or more young queens were out at the same time.

From Project Gutenberg

The next day numbers of the winged white ants were found stored within the granaries of a large formicary.

From Project Gutenberg

The shadow thrown upon the pavement was very slight; nevertheless, fifteen feet distant a new formicary was being established.

From Project Gutenberg

An opening had been made in the ground, and the beginnings of a new formicary were quite apparent.

From Project Gutenberg

Another feature evident in disturbing a formicary is the general harmony in which the individuals of any one colony work together.

From Project Gutenberg