Infestation with lice (Pediculus humanus) resulting in severe itching

Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary Word definitions in Douglas Harper's Etymology Dictionary
"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].

WordNet Word definitions in WordNet
n. infestation with lice (Pediculus humanus) resulting in severe itching [syn: lousiness ]

Wiktionary Word definitions in Wiktionary
n. (context medicine English) infestation with head lice

Wikipedia Word definitions in Wikipedia
Pediculosis is an infestation of lice (blood-feeding ectoparasitic insects of the order Phthiraptera ). The condition can occur in almost any species of warm-blooded animal (i.e. mammals and birds ), including humans . Although pediculosis in humans may ...