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Delousing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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delousing

[dɪˈlaʊsɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

health treatment

Delousing refers to the process of removing lice and other parasitic insects from a person or animal. This procedure is important for maintaining hygiene and preventing the spread of infestations. Delousing can be conducted using various means, including medicated shampoos, lotions, or physical removal.

Synonyms

infestation treatment, lice removal, pest control.

Examples of usage

  • The school implemented a delousing policy after detecting an outbreak of head lice.
  • He underwent delousing at the shelter to ensure all residents remained pest-free.
  • The veterinarian recommended delousing for the stray dogs before adoption.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

History

  • Throughout history, various methods have been used for delousing, including combing with fine-toothed combs and using natural oils.
  • Delousing was particularly important for soldiers during the World Wars, as lice spread diseases and caused significant discomfort.

Science

  • Lice reproduce quickly; a single louse can lay up to 300 eggs in its lifetime, making delousing vital to control outbreaks.
  • Pediculicides are chemicals used in delousing treatments, but some lice have developed resistance to certain types over time.

Literature

  • Delousing practices have been depicted in various literary works, often symbolizing the struggle for cleanliness and health.
  • In classic children's literature, tales often mention lice to illustrate the importance of hygiene and care.

Cultural Practices

  • Many cultures have traditional remedies for lice, including using combs, herbs, and even essential oils.
  • In some communities, delousing is a communal activity, viewed as a bonding experience among family members.

Origin of 'delousing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word originates from the Middle English 'lous', meaning louse, combined with the prefix 'de-', which means to remove.
  • This term has been used since the 17th century to describe the action of getting rid of lice.

The term 'delousing' is derived from the prefix 'de-' meaning removal or reversal, and the word 'louse', which refers to small, wingless insects that are parasites of humans and other animals. The word 'louse' has Old English origins, traced back to the Germanic 'laus' and the Proto-Indo-European root 'leu-', meaning 'to break loose'. Historically, lice have been a common problem, especially in crowded living conditions such as during wars or in shelters. The need for effective delousing methods has evolved over centuries, from the use of simple grooming tools in ancient times to modern insecticidal treatments, reflecting advancements in both understanding of parasitology and public health measures.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,719, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.