anting
|an-ting|
/ˈæntɪŋ/
(ant)
small social insect
Etymology
'anting' is formed from the noun 'ant' + the suffix '-ing' (a verbal/gerundive suffix in English), meaning 'the act of using ants'.
'ant' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'ǣmete' (also spelled 'æmete' or 'amete'), which referred to the insect 'ant'; the modern form 'ant' developed through Middle English; the modern formation 'ant' + '-ing' produced 'anting'.
Initially, 'ant' referred simply to the insect; over time the compound/derived form 'anting' came to denote the specific behavior of birds using ants, rather than the insect itself.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a behavior in which birds apply ants (or substances produced by ants) to their feathers or skin, often thought to help control parasites or for other hygienic/chemical purposes.
Anting has been observed in several species of birds, which pick up ants and rub them on their feathers.
Synonyms
Verb 1
present participle of the verb 'ant': to perform anting; to apply ants or their secretions to one's feathers or body (as birds do).
Several starlings were anting beneath the oak tree.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/05 05:05