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body louse

American  

noun

  1. louse1


Etymology

Origin of body louse

First recorded in 1565–75

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Unlike the body louse, the head louse isn't known to spread disease.

From Salon • Nov. 23, 2021

Before succumbing, however, the insect can also poop out millions of typhus bacteria, which can hang on clothing like a toxic dust, infecting others who never have a body louse near them.

From Scientific American • Feb. 14, 2011

Typhus marched its way through history in the habitus of the human body louse, Pediculus humanus humanus, and the louse itself was not immune to its influence.

From Scientific American • Feb. 14, 2011

In Europe the body louse carries the virus of typhus fever, transmits a form of the disease which kills 22% to 65% of its victims.

From Time Magazine Archive

It is carried by the body louse and it is transmitted from one person to another.

From My Four Years in Germany by Gerard, James W. (James Watson)