deer tick

noun

: an ixodid tick (Ixodes scapularis synonym I. dammini) of the eastern U.S. and Canada that transmits the bacterium causing Lyme disease

called also black-legged tick

Illustration of deer tick

Examples of deer tick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Rising temperatures and shifting rainfall patterns have boosted deer tick populations and, in turn, Lyme disease infections, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. —Maggie O'Neill, Health, 1 July 2024

The Kansas City area is home to multiple species of these blood-sucking insects, including the American dog tick, lone star tick and deer tick. —Eleanor Nash, Kansas City Star, 26 June 2024

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection spread by deer ticks, which are small in size, and can often go unnoticed. —Alex Groth, Journal Sentinel, 26 June 2024

According to the Mayo Clinic, common types of ticks include: Black-legged tick AKA the deer tick – Mainly found in the eastern half and midwest region of the U.S. Western black-legged tick – Mainly found along the U.S. Pacific Coast. —Saleen Martin, USA TODAY, 4 May 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1982, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

deer tick

noun

: a tick that transmits the bacterium causing Lyme disease

Medical Definition

deer tick

noun

ˈdi(ə)r- 

: a tick of the genus Ixodes (I. scapularis synonym I. dammini) that transmits the bacterium causing Lyme disease