Louse: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿชณ
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louse

 

[ laสŠs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

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

bug, infestation, parasite

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:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น piolho

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคœเฅ‚เค

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Laus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ketombe

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒะพัˆ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wszy

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ทใƒฉใƒŸ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท pou

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ piojo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท bit

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู‚ู…ู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ vลกi

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ vลกi

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่™ฑๅญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ uลกi

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ lรบs

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›ะพาฃั‹ะท

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒแƒฆแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ tรผklรผ

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ 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.