Body lice
- Pronunciation
- /BOH-dee lous/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Body louse
- Plural
- Body lice
Definition
A species of lice that infest clothing and bedding, feeding on human blood.
Etymology
From the Latin words 'corpus' meaning 'body' and 'pediculus' meaning 'louse'.
Example
Body lice are often found in areas where people live in close proximity, such as dormitories or refugee camps.
Related Terms
- Clothing-borne lice
- Head lice
- Pubic lice
Usage Notes
Body lice are not directly transmitted from person to person but rather through shared clothing and bedding.