In some eusocial insects, especially certain ants: a worker (female) that can become capable of reproducing, especially when the queen has died. Also in certain casteless social insects: any dominant reproductive female in a colony in which most females do not reproduce.
Origin
1980s. From ancient Greek γάμος marriage + ergate.
Definition of gamergate in US English:
gamergate
nounˈɡaməɡeɪt
Entomology
In some eusocial insects, especially certain ants: a worker (female) that can become capable of reproducing, especially when the queen has died. Also in certain casteless social insects: any dominant reproductive female in a colony in which most females do not reproduce.
Origin
1980s. From ancient Greek γάμος marriage + ergate.