noun
termite; white ant
Common insect; often a household pest. The term 'white ant' is a colloquial name, though termites are not true ants.
この家はシロアリの被害を受けている。
This house has termite damage.
シロアリは湿った木材を好む。
Termites prefer damp wood.
Mixed kanji-kana spelling.
Ant; unlike termites, ants have a narrow waist and elbowed antennae.
Compound of 白 (しろ, 'white') + 蟻 (あり, 'ant'), from the pale color and ant-like appearance. The exact historical derivation is uncertain.