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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
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
See all Example Sentences for deer tick
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deer tick.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1982, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near deer tick
Cite this Entry
“Deer tick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deer%20tick. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
deer tick
noun
: a tick that transmits the bacterium causing Lyme disease
Medical Definition
deer tick
noun
: a tick of the genus Ixodes (I. scapularis synonym I. dammini) that transmits the bacterium causing Lyme disease
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