noun
flea
FLEE/fliː/
A tiny jumping insect that feeds on blood.
The flea clings to the animal's skin with its powerful hind legs folded.
Etymology
Old English flea already named the same parasite. A suggested connection with “flee” evokes its jumping, but the source considers this less likely than descent from an older insect name.
In context
He shook himself like a dog with a flea in his ear, and rambled out of the gate.
More examples
- Several fleas appeared in the comb.
- A flea jumped from the blanket.
- The veterinarian identified the insect as a flea.
Forms
flea · fleas