scabies

noun

sca·​bies ˈskā-bēz 

plural scabies

: contagious itch or mange especially with exudative crusts that is caused by parasitic mites (especially Sarcoptes scabiei)

scabietic

ˌskā-bē-ˈe-tik 

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

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from scabere to scratch

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

scabies

noun

sca·​bies ˈskā-bēz 

plural scabies

: an itch or mange caused by mites living as parasites under the skin

Medical Definition

scabies

noun

sca·​bies ˈskā-bēz 

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)