louse

• Kleines flügelloses parasitisches Insekt, das auf warmblütigen Tieren lebt; umgangssprachlich auch ein verachtenswerter oder unehrlicher Mensch.

A noun referring to a small, wingless parasitic insect that lives on warm-blooded animals, or, informally, a contemptible or unethical person.

unregelmäßiger Plural

1. Parasitic insectB1formalmedical

   A small, wingless insect that lives on the skin or hair of warm-blooded animals and feeds on their blood.

   Laus

   • The child had lice after playing with an infested friend.
   • Lice can cause intense itching and irritation.
   • Special shampoos are used to treat head lice.

   Synonymecootiegrayback

2. Contemptible personB2informal

   A person who is dishonest, unpleasant, or morally reprehensible.

   Verachtenswerter Mensch

   • He's a real louse for cheating on his taxes.
   • Don't trust that louse; he'll betray you.
   • She called him a louse after he lied to her.

   Synonymecreepcurheeljerkrascalratroguescoundrelscumskunksnakeswineweaselworm

3. Plant pestC1formalscientific

   A small insect, such as an aphid, that feeds on plant juices and can damage crops.

   Pflanzenschädling

   • The garden was infested with plant lice.
   • Aphids are a common type of louse that attack rose bushes.
   • Farmers use pesticides to control lice on their crops.

   Synonymeaphidgreenflyplant louse

4. Biting insectC1formalscientific

   A wingless insect with mouthparts adapted for biting, often parasitic on birds.

   Stechender Parasit

   • Bird lice are common in poultry farms.
   • The veterinarian checked the parrot for biting lice.
   • These lice can cause feather loss in birds.

   Synonymebird louse