BODY LOUSE Meaning and
Definition
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A body louse refers to a small, wingless insect that belongs to the order Phthiraptera and specifically the species Pediculus humanus corporis. Measuring around 2-4 millimeters in length, the body louse is an external parasite that exclusively feeds on human blood. It is commonly found inhabiting the seams of clothing, particularly in areas with poor sanitation and crowded living conditions. Infestations of body lice, known as pediculosis, typically occur when individuals fail to maintain proper personal hygiene or have limited access to clean clothing.
The body louse is characterized by a narrow and elongated body that adapts well to living within the fibers of clothing close to the human body. It possesses specially adapted claw-like legs that help it cling to fabric, enabling easy movement between hosts and allowing it to transfer from one person to another in infested environments. Unlike other lice species, body lice spend their entire lifecycle on the clothing of their human hosts rather than directly on the skin. However, they require regular access to feed on blood from the host's body.
Body lice can cause various health problems, as their bites can lead to severe itching and irritation, resulting in secondary infections when scratched. Additionally, these lice can act as vectors for certain diseases. Regular personal hygiene, washing and changing clothes, and maintaining clean living conditions are essential in preventing body louse infestations.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for BODY LOUSE
- vody louse
- nody louse
- hody louse
- gody louse
- bidy louse
- bkdy louse
- bldy louse
- bpdy louse
- b0dy louse
- b9dy louse
- bosy louse
- boxy louse
- bocy louse
- bofy louse
- bory louse
- boey louse
- bodt louse
- bodg louse
- bodh louse
Etymology of BODY LOUSE
The word "body louse" has a relatively straightforward etymology.
The term "body" comes from the Old English word "bodig", which referred to the entire physical structure of a human or animal. It has roots in Proto-Germanic and ultimately traces back to the Proto-Indo-European word "bʰuHdʰús", meaning "stick out", "swell", or "be thick". Over time, the Old English word "bodig" evolved into the modern English term "body".
The word "louse" has a somewhat more complex etymology. It can be traced back to the Old English word "lus", which was derived from Proto-Germanic "lus". This Proto-Germanic term can be linked to the Proto-Indo-European root "*lus", meaning "louse".
Similar spelling words for BODY LOUSE
- bodyless,
- Luys' body,
- Pot lace,
- Body Lice,
- lazy bed,
- lazy-bed system,
- boot lace,
- Luys body,
- bed louse,
- lazy-bed tillage,
- lace-up boot,
- BAD-CHECK LAWS.
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