deer tick

noun

Definition of deer tick

: an ixodid tick (Ixodes scapularis synonym I. dammini) of the eastern U.S. and Canada that transmits the bacterium causing Lyme disease

— called also black-legged tick

Examples of deer tick in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Some researchers have argued that growing deer tick populations aren’t associated with the weather, saying instead that ballooning mouse and deer populations are responsible for the apparent increase in ticks. — Philip Kiefer, Popular Science, "Does a cold winter mean fewer bugs in the summer?," 25 Feb. 2021 It is most commonly carried by the black-legged or deer tick and can infest humans and pets. — Kaleb A. Brown, Detroit Free Press, "Mobile app takes aim at the bane of Michigan summers — ticks and Lyme disease," 17 June 2020 The coronavirus, like deer ticks (now found as far north as the Arctic), may prove to be one of many new invisible threats. — Raffi Khatchadourian, The New Yorker, "After COVID-19, Will Nature Take Over?," 25 May 2020 For example, data on tick and mammal populations are key to his team’s annual predictions about when and how many nymphs of the deer tick that transmits Lyme disease will emerge. — Elizabeth Pennisi, Science | AAAS, "Pandemic robs field scientists of ‘once in a lifetime’ moments," 15 Apr. 2020 Evers also signed a bill requiring the state Department of Natural Resources to conduct a public information campaign about Lyme disease, which is transmitted by deer ticks and causes a skin rash, fever, headache and fatigue. — Molly Beck, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Tony Evers signs bills to make bestiality a felony and curb 'porch pirates'," 3 Mar. 2020 The report found that just shy of 39% of deer ticks tested positive for Lyme. — USA TODAY, "Jornada del Muerto, Livestrong rebrand, Mach 8 tunnel: News from around our 50 states," 12 Feb. 2020 Lyme disease is caused by bacteria carried by infected deer ticks. — USA TODAY, "Condom conflict, ghost net, smart trash bins: News from around our 50 states," 18 Jan. 2020 Also Wednesday, the Assembly approved a pair of bills to help curb the spread of Lyme disease, which is transmitted by deer ticks and causes a skin rash, fever, headache and fatigue. — Patrick Marley, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Assembly comes up short in trying to override Gov. Evers' veto on training for nurse aides," 15 Jan. 2020

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

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Last Updated

16 Mar 2021

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“Deer tick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deer%20tick. Accessed 18 Apr. 2021.

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More Definitions for deer tick

deer tick

noun

English Language Learners Definition of deer tick

US : a very small insect found in the eastern U.S. and in Canada that usually feeds on deer and that can give the person or animal it bites various diseases (such as Lyme disease)

See the full definition for deer tick in the English Language Learners Dictionary

deer tick

noun

\ ˈdi(ə)r-