scabies

noun

sca·bies ˈskā-bēz

plural scabies

: contagious itch or mange especially with exudative crusts that is caused by parasitic mites (especially Sarcoptes scabiei)

scabietic

ˌskā-bē-ˈe-tik

adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Currier also set up a surveillance system to quantify the problem of farm worker injuries and quantified the issue of head lice in schools and scabies in long-term care settings to help assist management in recognizing the infections. —

Alec Johnson, Journal Sentinel, 27 Mar. 2021 There ain't no maybes, Bodylice, and crabs, Headlice, and scabies. —

Rebecca Kreston, Discover Magazine, 12 Apr. 2011 He allegedly was infected multiple times with scabies and head lice. —

Christopher Rowland, Washington Post, 15 Nov. 2022 The NGOs reported people sleeping on floors and decks, the spread of fever-inducing infections and scabies, and food and medical supplies nearing depletion. —

Colleen Barry, BostonGlobe.com, 6 Nov. 2022 Hira Ikram, a physician at a camp established by Britain’s Islamic Mission in Sukkur charity, said many people had scabies, gastrointestinal infections and fevers. —

Zarar Khan, ajc, 4 Sep. 2022 Genital herpes and syphilis are common STIs that present this way, says Dr. Khalil, but other infections such as scabies or pubic lice can cause a rash or extreme itchiness without ulcers. —

Alyssa Jung, Good Housekeeping, 17 July 2022 The disease is frequently called scabies and may cause extreme itchiness, redness, hair loss, and emaciation in extreme cases! —

Laxmi Corp, The Salt Lake Tribune, 12 July 2022 The drug, commonly used for livestock and pets in an animal-grade formula, is also FDA-approved in a human formula to treat parasitic infections and skin conditions such as scabies. —

Bysony Salzman, ABC News, 30 Mar. 2022 See More

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

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from scabere to scratch

First Known Use

1814, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of scabies was in 1814

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Scabies.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scabies. Accessed 21 Mar. 2023.

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Kids Definition

scabies

noun

sca·bies ˈskā-bēz

plural scabies

: an itch or mange caused by mites living as parasites under the skin

Medical Definition

scabies

noun

sca·bies ˈskā-bēz

plural scabies

: contagious itch or mange especially with exudative crusts that is caused by parasitic mites and especially by a mite of the genus Sarcoptes (S. scabiei)