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Glite Dictionary
chigoe

chigoe

1 9.9
A very small tropical flea that buries itself under the skin and can cause serious infection
  • noun
  • /ˈtʃɪɡoʊ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : chigoe
  • Travelers to tropical areas are advised to take precautions against chigoe fleas.

Examples

  • I found a chigoe on my foot after walking in the tropical forest.

  • The chigoes in that area can cause serious discomfort.

  • Infestation by the chigoe can lead to serious skin infections if not treated promptly.

  • The farmer discovered a chigoe had burrowed into his toe after walking barefoot.

  • A chigoe can burrow under the skin, causing painful irritation.

  • People in tropical areas often suffer from infections caused by chigoes.

  • The veterinarian warned us about the risks of chigoes in stray dogs.

Synonyms

chigoe flea
vschigoe
  • South African
9.9

A small flea in tropical areas that burrows under the skin and causes itching or infection

is the shorter single-word name for the same species
Tunga penetrans
vschigoe
  • Specialized
9.9

A small flea that burrows into the skin of people and animals

emphasizes the skin irritation and possible infection caused by burrowing

Compounds

chigoe flea
  • South African
9.9

A small flea in tropical areas that burrows under the skin and causes itching or infection

Surface Forms

chigoe singular
chigoes plural

Etymology

Chigoe comes from names used in Spanish and Portuguese in tropical America for a tiny flea, and you may also hear the English name jigger or the Portuguese phrase bicho de pé which means 'foot bug'. Because the female flea burrows into the skin, often in the feet, chigoe today names that small skin‑burrowing flea that can cause pain or infection.