: any of an order (Siphonaptera) of small wingless bloodsucking insects that have a hard laterally compressed body and legs adapted to leaping and that feed on warm-blooded animals
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During the wars of the early 1800s, Napoleon dusted his soldiers with a permethrin-like powder to control fleas and body lice, which protected them from anemia and gave them a physical edge over their enemies.—Angela Haupt, Time, 24 June 2025 She was then taken to a local vet, treated for fleas, and given a well-deserved meal.—Tj MacIas, Sacbee.com, 19 June 2025 The 22 dogs that were seized suffered from a variety of medical conditions, including flea infestation, vision impairment, poor grooming and skin rashes, Temple said.—Justin Muszynski, Hartford Courant, 18 June 2025 Cedar: Another common essential oil thanks to its ability to help repel fleas and ticks.—Bestreviews, Mercury News, 17 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for flea
Word History
Etymology
Middle English fle, from Old English flēa; akin to Old High German flōh flea
First Known Use
before the 12th century, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of flea was
before the 12th century
: any of the order Siphonaptera comprising wingless bloodsucking insects that have a hard laterally compressed body and legs adapted to leaping and that feed on warm-blooded animals see cat flea, chigoesense 1, dog flea, rat flea, sand flea, sticktight flea
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