noun
crab
A small parasitic insect that infests pubic hair.
A crab grips pubic hair with its strong, curved claws.
Etymology
Old English crabba named the crustacean. The parasitic louse borrows its name through a resemblance in its squat body and grasping legs, which suggest a tiny crab.
More examples
- Crabs can spread through close physical contact.
- The pharmacist recommends a lotion to treat crabs.
- Finding a crab in pubic hair can explain persistent itching.
Forms
crab · crabs
Similar words
- pubic louse
- The explicit name for the same parasite; crab is informal.
- louse
- A broader term that also includes head and body lice.