Definition

Noun: 1. A wingless parasitic fly: A small, wingless insect that is an external parasite, feeding on the blood of sheep and cattle. 2. A disease vector: This parasite can transmit serious diseases to its hosts, such as looping ill (a viral disease) in sheep and Lyme disease (caused by a spirochete bacterium) to various animals, including humans.

Usage Examples

• The farmer checked the flock for sheep-ticks after they returned from the high pasture.
• Veterinarians warn that the sheep-tick is a significant vector for Lyme disease spirochetes in some regions.
• Controlling sheep-tick infestations is important for livestock health.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used in veterinary and agricultural contexts to discuss parasite control and disease epidemiology.
• While "sheep-tick" specifies hosts, it is understood to potentially parasitize other animals, including humans.

Variants and Related Words

• Ked: Another common name for the same insect (). The full term is sheep ked.
• Tick (noun): A broader category of arachnid parasites. Note: The "sheep-tick" is biologically a fly (an insect), not a true tick (an arachnid), but the common name includes "tick" due to its similar parasitic behavior.

Synonyms

• Sheep ked (More precise technical synonym)
• Melophagus ovinus (Scientific name)

Notes on Meaning

This word has two closely linked primary meanings: 1. The physical insect parasite itself. 2. The insect in its role as a carrier (vector) of pathogens. The context usually makes it clear which aspect is being emphasized.

Noun

1. parasitic on sheep and cattle as well as humans; can transmit looping ill in sheep (acute viral disease of the nervous system); a vector for Lyme disease spirochete
2. wingless fly that is an external parasite on sheep and cattle