anting

ant·ing

A a

Transcription

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [an-ting]
- /ˈæn tɪŋ/

- US Pronunciation
- US IPA
- [an-ting]
- /ˈæn tɪŋ/

Definitions of anting word

noun anting the placing or rubbing of ants by birds on their feathers. The body fluids of the ants are thought to repel parasites 3
noun anting the placing of ants among the feathers, done by certain birds apparently to kill parasites. 1
noun anting The practice, of some birds, of rubbing live ants into the feathers as a means of controlling parasites. 1
noun anting (ornithology) The practice of some birds of rubbing live ants or occasionally other items into the feathers, possibly as a means of controlling parasites. 0

See all 4 definitions of anting

Information block about the term

Origin of anting

First appearance:

before 1935

One of the 8% newest English words

1935-40; ant + -ing1, as translation of German Einemsen

Historical Comparancy

Parts of speech for Anting

noun

adjective

verb

adverb

pronoun

preposition

conjunction

determiner

exclamation

Full grammatical hierarchy of Anting

anting popularity

A common word. It’s meaning is known to most children of preschool age. About 81% of English native speakers know the meaning and use the word.

According to our data about 63% of words is more used. This is a rare but used term. It occurs in the pages of specialized literature and in the speech of educated people.

anting usage trend in Literature

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