Louse: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ชณ
louse
[ laสs ]
insect pest
A louse is a small, wingless parasitic insect that lives on the bodies of humans and animals. They are known for feeding on blood and can cause irritation and itching. There are several types of lice, including head lice, body lice, and pubic lice, which inhabit different areas of the human body. Infestations are common, especially among young children, and they can be transmitted through close personal contact. Treatment typically involves the use of special shampoos or medications to eliminate the parasites.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The school sent a notice about a louse outbreak.
- She had to treat her child's hair for lice.
- He was itching his scalp due to head lice.
Translations
Translations of the word "louse" in other languages:
๐ต๐น piolho
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเค
๐ฉ๐ช Laus
๐ฎ๐ฉ ketombe
๐บ๐ฆ ะฒะพั
๐ต๐ฑ wszy
๐ฏ๐ต ใทใฉใ
๐ซ๐ท pou
๐ช๐ธ piojo
๐น๐ท bit
๐ฐ๐ท ์ด
๐ธ๐ฆ ูู ู
๐จ๐ฟ vลกi
๐ธ๐ฐ vลกi
๐จ๐ณ ่ฑๅญ
๐ธ๐ฎ uลกi
๐ฎ๐ธ lรบs
๐ฐ๐ฟ าะพาฃัะท
๐ฌ๐ช แแแฆแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ tรผklรผ
๐ฒ๐ฝ piojo
Etymology
The word 'louse' comes from the Old English word 'lลซs', which is akin to the Germanic 'laus' and the Latin 'pulex'. The term has been used since the early medieval period to refer to various small, biting or stinging insects. Lice were often associated with filth and poor hygiene, which contributed to their negative connotation in both literature and everyday speech. Ancient texts from different cultures document the presence of lice in human populations, indicating that they have been a pest for centuries. The study of lice has recently gained prominence in discussions around public health, particularly with the rise of resistant strains against common treatments.
Word Frequency Rank
Positioned at #20,829, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.
- ...
- 20826 fearlessly
- 20827 foreboding
- 20828 demesne
- 20829 louse
- 20830 airing
- 20831 wailed
- 20832 exec
- ...