scabies

American  

[skey-beez, -bee-eez] / ˈskeɪ biz, -biˌiz /

noun

(used with a singular verb)

1. a contagious skin disease occurring especially in sheep and cattle and also in humans, caused by the itch mite, Sarcoptes scabiei, which burrows under the skin.

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scabies British  

/ -bɪˌiːz, ˌskeɪbɪˈɛtɪk, ˈskeɪbiːz /

noun

1. a contagious skin infection caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei, characterized by intense itching, inflammation, and the formation of vesicles and pustules

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Other Word Forms

• scabietic adjective

Etymology

Origin of scabies

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin scabiēs “roughness, itch,” from scabere “to scratch, scrape”; shave

Example Sentences

They reported that he lost a significant portion of his weight and was suffering from scabies, but that the Israel Prison Service had provided treatment.

From Los Angeles Times

"It's the season for skin infections and we don't have creams or ointments for bacterial infections, no medicines to treat scabies and head lice."

From BBC

Mr Mushtaha also provided the BBC with a report compiled by a doctor in Gaza, which confirmed he was still infected with scabies on the day of his release.

From BBC

He was also told the asylum centre was "seriously inadequate", with residents queuing for food and experiencing outbreaks of scabies.

From BBC

"We are now having to truck water into the camps. It's an absolutely critical time. There is an outbreak of cholera with over 580 cases, along with a scabies outbreak."

From BBC

Related Words

• AIDS
• acquired immune deficiency syndrome
• gonorrhea
• herpes
• syphilis
• the clap
• venereal disease