Louse

/laʊs/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A small, wingless, parasitic insect that feeds on the blood of mammals and birds.

The child was treated for head lice, as the school had reported an outbreak.

A contemptible or unpleasant person.

He’s such a louse for cheating his friends out of their money.

Old English 'lūs'; related to similar words in other Germanic languages.

louse up

To ruin or mess something up.

no louse left behind

A humorous expression implying that everyone, even the least important or dirty, will be accounted for.

lice

Plural of louse, refers to the parasitic insects that infest humans.

nits

The eggs or young forms of lice.

ectoparasite

An organism that lives on the exterior of another organism, feeding off it.

A despicable person or behavior.

He cheated his friends; what a louse!

Someone insignificant or of no consequence.

Don't listen to that louse, he doesn’t know what he’s talking about.