Dictionary

antly en · ADJ

Etymology

From ant + -ly.

Meanings

1. Of, resembling, characteristic of, or pertaining to ants; formic.
   • Such a plan just wouldn't be reasonable, given typical antly survival requirements. Cooperation is surely the best policy. It would be much wiser for each ant to align its behaviour with that of its fellows, provided those other ants do [...] 2007, Robert Malcolm Murray, Jan Narveson, Liberty, Games and Contracts:
   • Statues, of heroic size, would be erected to the great ant heroes — warriors, builders, or what not — inscribed with phrases like, "He was the antliest ant of all time." . . . And of course there would be an anthropomorphic god. 1964, Conrad Aiken, Richard P. Blackmur, The collected novels of Conrad Aiken:
   • Beside the pool, the little workers were diligently going about their antly business, unnoticed by everybody except Milton. 2005, Tim Walsh, Timeless toys:
   • You must accept a proffered Pique Ant ambassador, as you are pique ants too. By antly protocol you are obliged to grant me the hospitality of the hill for a day and night.” “This is highly irregular.” “Nevertheless legitimate. 2007, Piers Anthony, Stork Naked:

Forms

Relateds

antlike

Translations (8)

ca fòrmic (pertaining to ants) · pt fórmico (pertaining to ants) · pl mrówkowy (pertaining to ants) · es fórmico (pertaining to ants) · ko 개미의 (pertaining to ants) · ru муравьи́ный (pertaining to ants) · sa वम्रिक (pertaining to ants) · ja 蟻の (pertaining to ants)