Gadit

lice

Definitions
1nounSmall, wingless insects that live as parasites on humans and animals, feeding on blood and causing itching.
The child was sent home from school because he had lice.
Lice can spread quickly in crowded places.
She used a special shampoo to get rid of the lice.
Word Origin
Language
Old English
Original word
lūs
Originally meant
a small parasitic insect
Background
The word 'lice' comes from the Old English 'lūs', which referred to the same small parasitic insect. Lice have been a common human pest for thousands of years, often mentioned in historical texts as a nuisance.