How Do You Spell ANT?

Pronunciation: [ˈant] (IPA)

The word “ant” is spelled with only three letters, but the pronunciation of this tiny insect can be confusing. The IPA phonetic transcription of “ant” is /ænt/, which shows that the correct pronunciation starts with the vowel “a” as in “apple” and ends with the consonant “t”. The sound in the middle of the word is represented by the symbol /n/, which is produced by placing the tongue behind the upper teeth and making a nasal sound. So the next time you see an ant, you’ll know exactly how to spell and pronounce its name!

ANT Meaning and Definition

  1. An ant refers to a small, social insect belonging to the family Formicidae, typically characterized by a tough exoskeleton and a segmented body. These creatures are part of the Hymenoptera order and are known for forming highly organized colonies. Ants usually range in size from as small as 0.08 inches to as large as 1 inch, although the exact dimensions can vary significantly depending on the species.

    Ants are distinguishable by their elbowed antennae and the presence of a distinct waist that separates their mesosoma and gaster. They possess six legs and a pair of powerful jaws called mandibles, which they use for various tasks such as hunting, building nests, and defending their colonies.

    Ants are incredibly social creatures and exhibit a high level of cooperation within their colonies. Each colony typically consists of a queen, male drones, and numerous female worker ants. They communicate primarily through the use of chemical signals called pheromones. Pheromones allow ants to leave trail marks, communicate danger, or attract mates.

    Ants are omnivorous insects, consuming a wide range of food sources including nectar, fruits, dead insects, and sugary substances. Some species are even known to cultivate fungi to feed on. These insects play a crucial role in the ecosystem, serving as natural decomposers and predators, as well as pollinators in certain cases.

    Due to their vast numbers and efficient division of labor, ants are successful colonizers and can be found in diverse habitats across the globe, ranging from forests and deserts to urban areas.

  2. A small insect; an emmet-of which it is a contracted form.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for ANT *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for ANT

Etymology of ANT

The word "ant" comes from the Old English word "ǣmette" which is derived from the West Germanic language, specifically the Proto-Germanic word "ēmaitijǭ". This Proto-Germanic term is further derived from the Indo-European root word "*mēh₂tēr" meaning "ant". The word has been present in various Germanic languages, including Old High German "āmeiza" and Old Norse "meita". Over time, the spelling and pronunciation of the word evolved to its current form, "ant".

Idioms with the word ANT

  • piss-ant The idiom "piss-ant" is a derogatory term used to describe someone who is insignificant, irritating, or contemptible. It is often used to express disdain or annoyance towards a person or a situation.
  • warrior ant The idiom "warrior ant" typically refers to a person who is strong, determined, and resilient, often facing difficult situations or challenges with courage and tenacity. It implies someone who displays a fighter mentality, ready to confront obstacles and defend their beliefs or ideals. Like warrior ants protect their colony, the idiom portrays an individual who is willing to go above and beyond for a cause or to achieve their goals.

Similar spelling words for ANT

Plural form of ANT is ANTS

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