sarcoptic mange

noun sar·cop·tic mange \ (ˌ)sär-ˈkäp-tik- \

Updated on: 28 Mar 2018

Definition of sarcoptic mange

: mange caused by mites (genus Sarcoptes) burrowing in the skin especially of the head and face

Recent Examples of sarcoptic mange from the Web

The ridiculously adorable creature — a male — was found in the middle of a busy road and faces an uphill battle to fight sarcoptic mange and an upper respiratory infection, according to a post on the Humane Society's Facebook page.

— jesse garza, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, "Ridiculously adorable baby red fox dubbed Clover admitted to Wisconsin Humane Society," 14 Mar. 2018
The animals are suffering from sarcoptic mange, a highly contagious disease that causes itching, severe skin irritation and loss of fur.

— debbi baker, sandiegouniontribune.com, "Sightings of 'zombie' dogs prompt warnings in Chicago," 7 Sep. 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of sarcoptic mange

New Latin Sarcoptes, a genus of mites (probably for expected *Sarcocoptes, from sarco- sarco- + Greek kop-, stem of kóptein "to strike, cut off" + -tēs, agent suffix) + ¹-ic — more at apocope

Note: The genus name Sarcoptes was introduced, without etymology, by the French zoologist Pierre André Latreille (1762-1833) in Histoire naturelle, générale et particulière des crustacés et des insectes, tome 3, Paris, An X [1802], p. 67, replacing Linnaeus's Acarus scabiei.

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1886

See Words from the same year