scabies

noun

sca·​bies ˈskā-bēz How to pronounce scabies (audio)
plural scabies
: contagious itch or mange especially with exudative crusts that is caused by parasitic mites (especially Sarcoptes scabiei)
scabietic adjective

Examples of scabies in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Currier also set up a surveillance system to quantify the problem of farm worker injuries and quantified the issue of head lice in schools and scabies in long-term care settings to help assist management in recognizing the infections. Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2021 There ain't no maybes, Bodylice, and crabs, Headlice, and scabies. Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 12 Apr. 2011 He allegedly was infected multiple times with scabies and head lice. Christopher Rowland, Washington Post, 15 Nov. 2022 The NGOs reported people sleeping on floors and decks, the spread of fever-inducing infections and scabies, and food and medical supplies nearing depletion. Colleen Barry, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Nov. 2022 See all Example Sentences for scabies 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'scabies.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from scabere to scratch

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scabies was in 1814

Dictionary Entries Near scabies

Cite this Entry

“Scabies.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scabies. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

scabies

noun
sca·​bies ˈskā-bēz How to pronounce scabies (audio)
plural scabies
: an itch or mange caused by mites living as parasites under the skin

Medical Definition

scabies

noun
sca·​bies ˈskā-bēz How to pronounce scabies (audio)
plural scabies
: contagious itch or mange especially with exudative crusts that is caused by parasitic mites and especially by a mite of the genus Sarcoptes (S. scabiei)

More from Merriam-Webster on scabies

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!