an insect, esp an aphid, that excretes a sweet honey-like substance that is collected and eaten by ants
ant cow in American English
any aphid from which ants get honeydew
ant cow in American English
noun
an aphid that excretes honeydew and is tended by honeydew-gathering ants
Word origin
[1870–75]This word is first recorded in the period 1870–75. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: Victorian, fifth wheel, giveaway, onshore, washout