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prurit

itch

noun prew-REET Rare

Origin: Latin 'pruritus' (itching)

Also means

urge

Usage Note

Prurit is a medical/formal term for itching or pruritus; in everyday speech démangeaison is more common. Figuratively un prurit de can describe an irresistible urge or itch to do something, used in literary or journalistic writing. The final 't' is pronounced, unlike many French words.

Examples

"Le médecin a noté un prurit intense sur le dos."

Natural Translation

The doctor noted intense itching on the back.

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