acari

A scientist examines an acari under a microscope.

Definition

1. Noun (plural, used with a plural verb):
   • Zoological term: "acari" refers to a large order of arachnids (Acarina) that includes mites and ticks. These are small to microscopic arthropods, often parasitic, and some species cause skin conditions like scabies.

Usage Examples

• (Mites and ticks found on an animal.)
• (A general statement about their distribution.)

Advanced Usage

• "Acari infestation": a condition where mites or ticks multiply excessively on a host.
  • The patient was treated for an acari infestation that caused intense itching. (A medical condition caused by parasitic mites.)

Variants and Related Words

• Acarus (n, singular): a single member of the Acari order; a mite or tick.

  • One acarus can lay hundreds of eggs. (A single mite.)

• Acarine (adj): relating to or characteristic of mites or ticks.

  • Acarine diseases are common in livestock. (Diseases caused by mites or ticks.)

• Acarology (n): the scientific study of mites and ticks.

  • She specialized in acarology at the university. (The study of Acari.)

Synonyms

• Mites: a subgroup of Acari, typically very small and often parasitic.
• Ticks: a larger subgroup of Acari, known for feeding on blood.

Related Idioms

• No common idioms exist for "acari," as it is a technical term.

Phrasal Verbs

• No phrasal verbs are associated with "acari," as it is a noun.