cattle tick

noun

: either of two ixodid ticks (Boophilus annulatus and B. microplus) that infest cattle and transmit the protozoan which causes Texas fever

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The Asian longhorned tick, also known as the cattle tick or bush tick, was found in northern New Castle County in late June, according to a Wednesday press release from the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control. —

USA TODAY, 2 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'cattle tick.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of cattle tick was in 1869

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Cattle tick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cattle%20tick. Accessed 26 Mar. 2023.

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Medical Definition

cattle tick

noun

: either of two ixodid ticks of the genus Boophilus (B. annulatus and B. microplus) that infest cattle and transmit the protozoan which causes Texas fever