tique

tick (parasite)

noun TEEK Rare

Origin: Probably from a Germanic root, related to Dutch teek.

Usage Note

Tique is the arachnid parasite that attaches to mammals to feed on blood, and is a major concern for outdoor activities in France due to the risk of Lyme disease (la maladie de Lyme). It should not be confused with the homophone tic (a nervous twitch or habit). The plural tiques is regular.

Examples

"Il a trouvé une tique sur son chien."

Natural Translation

He found a tick on his dog.

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