lice

lice · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Plural of louse; small wingless parasitic insects that live on the skin of mammals and birds, especially in hair or feathers.

  2. 2.

    (Informal) Contemptible or unpleasant people.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    head lice — lice that infest human scalps
  • •
    body lice — lice that live in clothing and feed on the body
  • •
    nit-picking — searching for lice eggs; figuratively, excessive attention to trivial details

Related words

See also: flea, louse, mite, parasite
Synonyms: parasites, vermin

Etymology

From Old English lys, plural of lus ("louse"). This is an irregular plural following the pattern of mouse/mice, retaining the Germanic umlaut plural.