infolaxis
n.— «Also, he’s leading research into how fire ants in a particular colony exchange chemical information with one another. Anderson has coined the term “infolaxis” to describe the exchange phenomenon. The coinage comes from “trophallaxis,” defined as the exchange of food within the colonies of such social insects as ants and termites.» —“UM scientist in hot pursuit of fire ants” Clarion-Ledger (Jackson, Miss.) Dec. 18, 2004. (source: Double-Tongued Dictionary)
Further reading
It’s hard to imagine now, but there was a time when people disagreed over the best word to use when answering the phone. Alexander Graham Bell suggested answering with ahoy! but Thomas Edison was partial to hello! A fascinating new book about...
Leo, a scientIst in Tucson, Arizona, used to live in Japan, where he often heard Japanese speakers using English that wasn’t quite correct. For example, one Japanese friend described someone “full of worry” as scareful. Another...