pediculosis
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GC: n

S: http://schools.nyc.gov/offices/health/pediculosis/default.htm (last access: 28 August 2014); NCBI – http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14699358 (last access: 11 October 2015).

N: 1. pediculosis (n.): “lice infestation,” 1809, with -osis + pediculus, diminutive of pedis “a louse,” said in some sources to be akin to pedere “to break wind” (see petard) on notion of “foul-smelling insect” (Watkins).
2. Pediculosis is the skin disorder caused by various species of bloodsucking lice that infect the scalp, groin, and body. The lice live on or close to the skin and attach their eggs to the hair or clothing of the host, on which they periodically feed. Their bite results in a small red spot that is extremely itchy and may become infected after repeated scratching.
3. A common infestation is pediculosis pubis. The crab louse, Phthirus pubis, infests the hair of the pubic region, where louse eggs, or nits, are attached to the hairs. After about one week the larvae hatch, and in about two weeks they develop into mature crab lice. The lice attach themselves to the base of the hair and feed on the blood of the host.
4. Cultural interrelation: Monsieur Batignole (2002) by Gérard Jugnot.

S: 1. OED – http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=pediculosis (last access: 28 August 2014). 2 & 3. EncBrit – http://global.britannica.com/science/pediculosis (last access: 11 October 2015). 4. http://www.timeout.com/boston/movies/monsieur-batignole-1 (last access: 28 August 2014); FCB.

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CR: infestation, louse, parasitosis.