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.

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

Other Word Forms

• scabietic 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

With little food and clean water, there is a rise in malnutrition and diseases - from stomach bugs to scabies.

From BBC

They have described beatings, severe overcrowding, insufficient medical care, scabies outbreaks, and poor sanitary conditions.

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

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