: any of an order (Anoplura) of wingless insects comprising the true lice with mouthparts adapted to sucking body fluids
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the WebOnly one animal parasite, the pygmy hog-sucking louse, is currently included on the International Union for Conservation of Nature’s Red List of Threatened Species, and none are included on the U.S. Endangered Species List. Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 28 Apr. 2022 When the pygmy hog-sucking louse slides toward extinction, who but the pygmy hog cares?Los Angeles Times, 12 Oct. 2021 The blood-sucking louses usually make their way from head to head, leaving children (and occasionally their caregivers), scratching, itching, and generally uncomfortable with idea of teeny-tiny parasites crawling all over their scalps. Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, 9 May 2018 The blood-sucking louses usually make their way from head to head, leaving children (and occasionally their caregivers), scratching, itching and generally uncomfortable with idea of teeny-tiny parasites crawling all over their scalps. Caroline Picard, Good Housekeeping, 17 Oct. 2017
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1907, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
sucking louse
noun
: any of an order (Anoplura) of wingless insects comprising the true lice with mouthparts adapted for sucking body fluids