PEDICULUS Meaning and
Definition
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Pediculus, a noun, refers to a genus of parasitic insects commonly known as lice. Lice are small, wingless insects that infest the bodies of humans and animals, feeding on blood and causing discomfort and irritation. The genus Pediculus includes species that affect humans, such as Pediculus humanus capitis (head lice) and Pediculus humanus corporis (body lice).
Pediculus species are ectoparasites, meaning they live outside the body yet rely on a host for their survival. They use their specialized mouthparts to feed on human or animal blood, injecting saliva that contains anticoagulants, which prevents the blood from clotting. These insects typically reside in the hair or clothing of their hosts, laying eggs known as nits that attach firmly to strands of hair or clothing fibers.
Infestations with Pediculus can lead to intense itching and irritation, resulting in scratching and potential secondary skin infections. Transmission occurs through direct contact with an infested person or by sharing personal items such as combs, brushes, hats, or clothing. Consequently, lice infestations often occur in environments with crowded living conditions, poor hygiene, or in situations where close physical contact is common, such as schools or prisons.
Pediculus infestations can be treated using various methods, including over-the-counter or prescription medications that target lice and their eggs. Additionally, thorough cleaning of personal items and environmental surfaces is important to prevent reinfestation.
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• A louse, an animal parasite infesting the hairy parts of the body, or the clothing; a member of the genus Pediculus or of the genus Phthirius.
• A genus of lice, fam. Pediculidae.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for PEDICULUS
- oediculus
- lediculus
- -ediculus
- 0ediculus
- pwdiculus
- psdiculus
- pddiculus
- prdiculus
- p4diculus
- p3diculus
- pesiculus
- pexiculus
- peciculus
- peficulus
- periculus
- peeiculus
- peduculus
- pedjculus
- pedkculus
- peddiculus
Etymology of PEDICULUS
The etymology of the word "pediculus" comes from Latin. It is derived from the word "pes" meaning "foot" and the suffix "-culus" meaning "small". Thus, "pediculus" can be translated as "small foot" or "little foot". The term is typically used to refer to lice, tiny wingless insects that infest the hair and skin of mammals.
Similar spelling words for PEDICULUS
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