mite

¹ American  

[mahyt] / maɪt /

noun

1. any of numerous small to microscopic arachnids of the subclass Acari, including species that are parasitic on animals and plants or that feed on decaying matter and stored foods.

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mite ² American  

[mahyt] / maɪt /

noun

1. a contribution that is small but is all that a person can afford.

2. a very small sum of money.

3. a coin of very small value.

4. a very small object.

5. a very small creature.

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adverb

1. to a small extent; somewhat (often preceded bya ).

   a mite selfish.

mite ¹ British  

/ maɪt /

noun

1. a very small particle, creature, or object

2. a very small contribution or sum of money See also widow's mite

3. a former Flemish coin of small value

4. informal somewhat

   he's a mite foolish

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mite ² British  

/ maɪt /

noun

1. any of numerous small free-living or parasitic arachnids of the order Acarina (or Acari ) that can occur in terrestrial or aquatic habitats See also gall mite harvest mite itch mite spider mite Compare tick 2

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mite Scientific  

/ mīt /

1. Any of various very small arachnids of the subclass Acari that often live as parasites on other animals or plants. Like ticks and unlike spiders, mites have no division between the cephalothorax and abdomen.

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Etymology

Origin of mite¹

before 1000; Middle English myte, Old English mīte; cognate with Middle Dutch mīte, Old High German miza midge

Origin of mite¹

1300–50; Middle English myte < Middle Dutch mīte small copper coin; ultimately identical with mite ¹

Example Sentences

The researchers found that infants who suffer severe RSV infections in their first months of life are more likely to develop immune responses that overreact to common allergens, including house dust mites.

From Science Daily

The study also underscores the role of varroa mites, parasitic pests that spread many of the viruses tied to queen failure.

From Science Daily

Other studies have shown that bees use static forces to gather pollen, flower mites cling to hummingbirds using electrostatic attraction, and ballooning spiders rely on charged silk to drift across long distances.

From Science Daily

Hundreds of parasites have the ability to infect humans, including lice, mites and ticks.

From Salon

California wildlife officials also recently reported that the state’s southernmost wolf pack in Tulare County is suffering from sarcoptic mange, a disease caused by parasitic mites that can cause itchy skin lesions and hair loss.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• particle
• speck