lice

A child's parent carefully checks their hair for lice.

Definition

1. Noun (plural):
   • Parasitic insects: "lice" are small, wingless insects that live as parasites on the skin, hair, or feathers of humans and other animals, feeding on blood. The singular form is "louse."
   • Infestation: In a broader sense, "lice" can refer to an infestation by these insects.
   • Figurative use: Informally, "lice" may be used as a derogatory term for contemptible or unpleasant people.

Usage Examples

• Parasitic insects:

  • The child had to be treated for head lice after an outbreak at school. (Small insects living in the hair.)
  • Lice are commonly spread through close contact or sharing personal items like combs. (The insects are transmitted easily.)

• Infestation:

  • The veterinarian checked the dog for lice. (The vet examined the animal for a parasitic infestation.)

• Figurative use:

  • He called his dishonest colleagues "lice" in a moment of anger. (He used the word as an insult.)

Advanced Usage

• "Lice in the hair": a common phrase referring to head lice infestation.

  • The nurse found lice in the hair of several students. (The health professional discovered the parasites.)

• "Louse up" (informal): to spoil or ruin something.

  • He loused up the entire project with his carelessness. (He ruined the project.) Note: This uses the singular "louse" as a verb.

Variants and Related Words

• Louse (n, singular): one individual insect.

  • She found a single louse on the pillow. (One insect.)

• Lousy (adj): infested with lice; also figuratively means very bad or of poor quality.

  • The hotel room was lousy with bedbugs. (Infested.)
  • I feel lousy today. (I feel unwell or miserable.)

Synonyms

• Parasites: organisms that live on or in a host and benefit at the host's expense.
• Vermin: small animals or insects that are harmful or annoying.

Phrasal Verbs

• Louse out (rare): to withdraw or fail to perform.
  • He loused out of the agreement at the last minute. (He backed out.) Note: This is an uncommon usage.

Related Idioms

• "Lousy with something": to be full of or covered with something (often negative).

  • The beach was lousy with tourists. (Crowded with tourists.)

• "Not a louse": an expression meaning not a single person or thing.

  • There wasn't a louse left in the building. (No one remained.)