chigre

2 definitions found

chigre - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Chigoe \Chig"oe\, Chigre \Chig"re\, n. [Cf. F. chigue, perh. fr.
     Catalan chic small, Sp. chico; or of Peruvian origin.]
     (Zool.)
     A species of flea (Tunga penetrans, formerly 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.]
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The name is sometimes erroneously given to certain
           mites or ticks having similar habits.
           [1913 Webster]

  chigger \chigger\ n.
     1. a small tropical flea (Tunga penetrans, formerly Pulex  penetrans
        ); same as chigoe. [Also spelled chigre.]
  
     Syn: chigoe, chigoe flea, Tunga penetrans.
          [WordNet 1.5]
  
     2. a larval mite of the family Trombiculidae that sucks the
        blood of vertebrates including human beings, causing
        intense irritation, and serving to transmit several
        infectious diseases.
  
     Syn: harvest mite, jigger, redbug.
          [WordNet 1.5]