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chigoe

Pronunciation:  'chigow

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Matching Terms:  chigoe flea

WordNet Dictionary
 
 Definition: [n]  small tropical flea; the fertile female burrows under the skin of the host including humans
 
 Synonyms: chigger, chigoe flea, Tunga penetrans
 
 See Also: flea, genus Tunga, Tunga

 

 

Webster's 1913 Dictionary
 
 Definition: 
\Chig"oe\, Chigre \Chig"re\, n. [Cf. F. chigue, perh. fr.
Catalan chic small, Sp. chico; or of Peruvian origin.]
(Zo["o]l.)
A species of flea ({Pulex penetrans}), common in the West
Indies and South America, which often attacks the feet or any
exposed part of the human body, and burrowing beneath the
skin produces great irritation. When the female is allowed to
remain and breed, troublesome sores result, which are
sometimes dangerous. See {Jigger}. [Written also {chegre},
{chegoe}, {chique}, {chigger}, {jigger}.]

Note: The name is sometimes erroneously given to certain
      mites or ticks having similar habits.

 

 

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