lice (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/lʌɪs/

Meaning and Usage

Lice are small, wingless insects that are parasitic and typically live on the skin of mammals and birds. They feed on the blood of their hosts, often leading to itchiness and irritation. In English, the term "lice" is most commonly used in the plural form, as they typically exist in large numbers. The word is often used in both spoken and written contexts, particularly in discussions related to health, hygiene, and pest control.

Frequency of Use

The word "lice" is frequently used in medical, educational, and parenting contexts, especially when discussing conditions like head lice infestations in children. It is more commonly found in written form in educational materials than in everyday speech.

Example Sentences

1. The school sent out a notice warning parents about an outbreak of lice among students.

2. Школа разослала уведомление, предупреждающее родителей о вспышке вшей среди учеников.

3. After discovering lice in her daughter's hair, she immediately applied a special treatment to eliminate them.

4. Обнаружив вшей в волосах дочери, она немедленно нанесла специальное средство для их уничтожения.

5. Regular checks for lice can help prevent larger infestations in schools.

6. Регулярные проверки на вшей могут помочь предотвратить крупные вспышки в школах.

Idiomatic Expressions

While "lice" may not frequently appear in idiomatic expressions, it can be relevant in discussions about cleanliness, health, or care. However, it's often found in more literal vs idiomatic contexts. Here are some related expressions that include the term:

1. “Nits make lice” – This expression suggests that small things or problems can lead to a larger issue, particularly in the context of negligence.
2. Нит вызывает вшами.

3. Small issues lead to bigger problems.

4. “Get rid of the lice” – This can refer to eliminating nuisances or troubles from one's life or environment.

5. Нужно избавиться от вшей.

6. We need to get rid of the nuisances in our life.

7. “Lice in the hair” – This phrase refers to a persistent problem that one has failed to resolve.

8. Вши в волосах не дают покоя.
9. The persistent problems are bothering me.

Etymology

The word "lice" originates from the Old English word "līce," which is related to the Germanic root *līko, meaning "body." Over the centuries, it has undergone various forms, but the meaning has remained consistent as it refers to parasitic insects that infest the body.

Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms: - Parasites - Pests - Vermin

Antonyms: - Health - Cleanliness - Sanitation

This detailed overview encompasses the various aspects of the word "lice," its usage, context, and related idiomatic expressions, providing a comprehensive understanding of the term.