formic, a.
(ˈfɔːmɪk)
[for *formicic, f. L. formīc-a ant + -ic. Cf. F. formique.]
1. Chem. formic acid: a colourless irritant volatile acid contained in a fluid emitted by ants.
formic ethers, ethers obtained by substituting alcoholic radicals for the basic hydrogen of formic acid.
| 1791 Hamilton Berthollet's Dyeing II. ii. ii. i. 52 Formic acid acts on indigo like the muriatic. 1807 T. Thomson Chem. (ed. 3) II. 313 Of formic acid. 1871 Tyndall Fragm. Sc. (1879) I. xvii. 449 For barely visible redness formic aether is more opaque than sulphuric. 1884 Bower & Scott De Bary's Phaner. 68 By distilling the nettle plant with sulphuric acid formic acid is obtained. |
2. Occas. in gen. sense: Of or pertaining to ants.
| 1816 Kirby & Sp. Entomol. (1843) II. 88 A nest of ants..enjoying the full sun, which seems the acmé of formic felicity. 1857 Chamb. Jrnl. VII. 300 Republicanism is made to find its antitype in the formic community. |