scabies

[ skey-beez, -bee-eez ]

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. Compare itch ( def 10 ), mange.

scabies

/ -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

Derived Forms

• scabietic, adjective

Other Words From

• sca·bi·et·ic [skey-bee-, et, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of scabies¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of scabies¹

C15: from Latin: scurf, from scabere to scratch; see shave

Example Sentences

People are being told not to ignore an itchy rash, with GPs in England reporting a spike in scabies - the highly infectious skin infestation.

From BBC

"One of my housemates came out to the house that she had scabies at the time as well. So then I was like, 'Okay, so do I'," he added.

From BBC

The BBC has heard from people at five universities around the country, who spoke of multiple cases arising "out of nowhere" and whole houses having scabies.

From BBC

"While not a serious condition, scabies can be very itchy and irritating," she said.

From BBC

Alan Wilson, senior coroner for Blackpool and Fylde, said Debbie died from "the combined effects of her severely emaciated and neglected state, and debilitation caused by widespread Norwegian scabies mite infection".

From BBC

Related Words

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