crab louse
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: A small, parasitic insect (Pthirus pubis) that infests human body hair, particularly in the pubic region. It is characterized by its crab-like appearance, with a broad, short body and large front claws used for grasping hair shafts.
Usage
The term "crab louse" is used specifically to refer to the insect itself, its infestation (pubic lice or "crabs"), or as a descriptor for the condition. * The doctor identified the cause of the itching as an infestation of the crab louse. * A crab louse cannot jump or fly; it can only crawl. * The primary symptom of a crab louse infestation is intense itching in the affected area.
Advanced Usage
- "Crab louse" vs. "Pubic Lice": "Crab louse" typically refers to a single insect, while "pubic lice" (or colloquially, "crabs") refers to the general condition of infestation.
- The treatment is designed to kill both adult crab lice and their eggs (nits).
- Scientific/Medical Context: In formal writing, the scientific name may be used.
- The study focused on the transmission patterns of Pthirus pubis, the crab louse.
Variants and Related Words
- Crabs (n., informal, plural): A common colloquial term for an infestation of pubic lice.
- He was embarrassed to tell the doctor he thought he had crabs.
- Pubic Louse (n.): A more clinical synonym for "crab louse."
- Pediculosis pubis (n.): The medical term for the skin condition caused by an infestation of crab lice.
Synonyms
- Pubic louse
- Pthirus pubis (scientific name)
Related Phrases
- Infestation of crab lice: The state of being infected with these parasites.
- An infestation of crab lice requires prompt medical treatment.
- Crab louse eggs (nits): The eggs laid by the louse, which attach firmly to hair shafts.
- Special combs are used to remove crab louse eggs after treatment.
Noun
- a louse that infests the pubic region of the human body