The Latin word for ant.
The name "Formica" probably arose from its introduction as a substitute "for mica" in construction, according to the book _Extraordinary Origins of Everyday Things_ by Charles Panati.
For*mi"ca (?), n. [L., an ant.] Zool.
A Linnaean genus of hymenopterous insects, including the common ants. See Ant.
© Webster 1913.
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