lice
word
/ˈɫaɪs/
/lˈaɪs/
Definition
Small insects that live on the skin or hair of humans and animals, feeding on blood and often causing itching.
Usage & Nuances
'Lice' is the plural of 'louse.' Most often refers to 'head lice,' especially in schools. Associated with itching and sometimes embarrassment. Used mainly in medical or everyday contexts, rarely formal. Don't confuse 'lice' (insects) with similar-sounding words.
Spanish: piojosPortuguese (BR): piolhosPortuguese (PT): piolhosChinese (Simplified): 虱子Chinese (Traditional): 蝨子Hindi: जूंArabic: قملBengali: উকুনRussian: вшиJapanese: シラミVietnamese: chấyKorean: 이Turkish: bitUrdu: جوئیںIndonesian: kutu (kepala)
Example Sentences
The school nurse found lice in several students' hair.
basic
Special shampoo is used to kill lice.
basic
Children often get lice by sharing hats.
basic
"Do you know why she's scratching? She probably has lice."
natural
It can be difficult to get rid of lice completely.
natural
When kids get lice, parents usually have to wash all the bedding and clothes.
natural