chigoe

noun

1
: a tropical flea (Tunga penetrans) of which the fertile female causes great discomfort by burrowing under the skin
2

Word History

Etymology

Carib chico

First Known Use

1691, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of chigoe was in 1691

Dictionary Entries Near chigoe

Cite this Entry

“Chigoe.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chigoe. Accessed 16 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

chigoe

noun
1
also chigoe flea : a flea (Tunga penetrans) of tropical and subtropical regions of which the gravid female burrows under the skin especially of the feet causing itching, irritation, and often inflammation and ulceration

called also chigger, sand flea

2
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