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Delouse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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delouse

[dɪˈlaʊs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

infestation removal

To delouse means to remove lice from a person or animal. This is often necessary when someone has been infested with head lice, body lice, or pubic lice. Delousing can involve the use of special shampoos, lotions, or manual removal to eliminate lice and their eggs (nits). It's a common practice in settings such as schools or institutions where infestations can easily spread. Effective delousing is important for health reasons and to prevent embarrassment for those affected.

Synonyms

de-louse, exterminate lice, rid of lice.

Examples of usage

  • The school nurse will delouse any child found with lice.
  • I had to delouse my dog after we noticed fleas in the house.
  • After the camping trip, we decided it was best to delouse everyone.
  • The spa offers delousing treatments for clients experiencing infestations.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Historical Practices

  • In ancient times, people used various natural substances like olive oil and vinegar to remove lice from hair.
  • The practice of delousing became formalized during World War I, when soldiers were treated as a preventative measure against disease.
  • Historical records show that lice removal was often part of the grooming processes in different cultures to promote cleanliness.

Science

  • Lice are small, parasitic insects that rely on blood from hosts, causing discomfort through bites.
  • There are three main types of lice: head lice, body lice, and pubic lice, each requiring different treatment methods.
  • Research into lice has provided insights into human evolution and adaptation, as these insects have coexisted with humans for thousands of years.

Cultural References

  • Delousing is often portrayed in media, symbolizing cleanliness or the removal of unwanted elements in society.
  • In children's literature, delousing often appears humorously, as characters deal with the silly misadventures caused by lice.
  • Various folk tales include references to fighting lice, emphasizing the importance of personal hygiene and cleanliness.

Modern Methods

  • Today, delousing treatments include over-the-counter shampoos and lotions specifically designed to kill lice.
  • Some families use natural remedies, such as essential oils or diatomaceous earth, as alternative delousing methods.
  • Schools often have policies regarding head lice, leading to increased awareness and preventive measures among children and parents.

Origin of 'delouse'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'delouse' combines the prefix 'de-', meaning removal, with 'louse', which refers to the tiny insects.
  • The word has been in use since the early 20th century, emerging alongside increased awareness of hygiene.
  • Lice were once an expected nuisance in crowded living conditions, leading to the evolution of various treatment methods.

The term 'delouse' combines the prefix 'de-' which means to remove or reverse, and the root word 'louse', which refers to the small parasitic insects of the superfamily Anoplura. The word 'louse' itself comes from Old English 'lūse,' with similar forms in other Germanic languages, as well as in Latin ('pediculus') and Greek ('ktínō'). The act of delousing has been recognized historically, as lice infestations have been a long-standing issue in human health, indicating unhygienic living conditions. In modern times, delousing has evolved into a public health concern, especially in schools and communal living environments. The use of chemical treatments and preventive measures has been developed to effectively control and eliminate lice infestations.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,513, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.