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gale

scabies, mange

noun gal Rare

Usage Note

Gale is the medical term for the skin disease caused by a mite (Sarcoptes scabiei), called 'scabies' in English. Colloquially, calling someone la gale is a strong insult meaning a pest or nuisance. La gale is highly contagious and spreads through close contact.

Examples

"Le médecin a diagnostiqué la gale chez l'enfant."

Natural Translation

The doctor diagnosed scabies in the child.

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