Pronunciation: [mˈa͡ɪt] (IPA) 
The word "mite" is spelled /maɪt/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This means that the word is pronounced with the "ay" sound, represented by the letter "i", followed by the "t" sound. The spelling of the word "mite" is consistent with English phonics, where the letter "i" can represent the "ay" sound in words such as "bike," "like," and "dine." In the case of "mite," the spelling accurately reflects the pronunciation of the word.
A mite is a noun that refers to a tiny arachnid belonging to the subclass Acari. It is commonly found in great numbers in various habitats, including plants, animals, soil, and water. Mites are typically microscopically small, measuring less than 1 millimeter, and their body shape can vary greatly depending on the specific species. They have eight legs, often accompanied by specialized appendages or mouthparts for specific purposes.
Mites can be categorized into numerous types based on their habitats, feeding patterns, and physiological characteristics. They are incredibly diverse and can be both beneficial and harmful to their respective ecosystems. Some mites, such as dust mites, can cause allergies and asthma in humans, while others may transmit diseases to animals or crops. Conversely, some mites act as decomposers, aiding in the breakdown of organic matter and nutrient recycling.
The term "mite" is also figuratively used to describe something extremely small or insignificant. For instance, one may say, "She showed a mite of kindness by giving him a small piece of bread." In this context, it emphasizes the insignificance or meager quantity of the act of kindness.
In conclusion, a mite is an incredibly small arachnid with eight legs, belonging to the subclass Acari. It can be beneficial or detrimental to ecological systems, and the term is also used figuratively to describe something minuscule or unimportant.
A minute acarid, a tick; often parasitic, or a transmitter of disease germs.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
• A small insect not easily seen by the naked eye, found in cheese and many other substances.
• In Scrip., a small coin, a little less than one-third of a farthing; a very little thing; a minute particle.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "mite" dates back to Old English. It can be traced to the Proto-Germanic word "mītiz", which means "tiny" or "smallness". This origin is related to other Germanic languages, such as Old Norse "mitr" and Old High German "mizzi", both meaning "small". Ultimately, the word can be linked to the Proto-Indo-European root "*mei-", which signifies smallness or fewness.
