Replete

Pronunciation
/re-PLEET/
Category
Entomology
Singular
Replete
Plural
Repletes

Definition

A worker ant or termite that is fed until its abdomen is distended with food, which it later regurgitates to feed the colony.

Etymology

From Latin 'repletus', past participle of 'replere', meaning 'to fill up'.

Example

The replete in the ant colony was essential for storing and distributing food.

Related Terms

  • Trophallaxis
  • Storage ant