louse

/lausə/

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Word: Louse

Definition: A "louse" is a small, wingless insect that usually feeds on the blood of warm-blooded animals, including humans. They are often considered parasites because they live on or in another animal to survive. The term can also describe a person who has a nasty or unethical character, someone who is not deserving of respect.

Usage Instructions:

• As a noun: "louse" can refer to the insect or used figuratively to describe a person.
• When using it to describe someone, it is often in a negative context.

Examples:

1. Insect Meaning: "My little brother got lice in his hair, which are a type of louse."
2. Figurative Meaning: "He cheated his friend out of money; he’s such a louse."

Advanced Usage:

• In scientific contexts, "lice" is the plural form of "louse" and refers to various species that infest animals and humans.
• The term is sometimes used in literature or conversation to criticize someone's behavior or ethics.

Word Variants:

• Plural: Lice (used when talking about more than one louse)
• Adjective Form: Lousiness (the state of being a louse or having qualities similar to a louse)

Different Meanings:

1. Insect: A type of small, parasitic insect.
2. Figurative: A morally objectionable person; someone who exploits others.

Synonyms:

• For the insect: parasite, pest
• For the figurative meaning: scoundrel, rogue, villain, cad

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include the word "louse," but you might hear phrases like "he's a low-down louse," which emphasize someone's bad character.

Summary:

The word "louse" can refer to a small insect that lives on animals and feeds on blood or be used to describe a person with a nasty character.

Academic

Noun

1. wingless insect with mouth parts adapted for biting; mostly parasitic on birds
2. any of several small insects especially aphids that feed by sucking the juices from plants
3. a person who has a nasty or unethical character undeserving of respect
4. wingless usually flattened bloodsucking insect parasitic on warm-blooded animals

Synonyms

• bird louse
• biting louse
• plant louse
• worm
• insect
• dirt ball
• sucking louse