mite

mite
mite1
/muyt/, n.
any of numerous small to microscopic arachnids of the subclass Acari, including species that are parasitic on animals and plants or that feed on decaying matter and stored foods. Also called acarid.
[bef. 1000; ME myte, OE mite; c. MD mite, OHG miza midge]
mite2
/muyt/, n.
1. a contribution that is small but is all that a person can afford.
2. a very small sum of money.
3. a coin of very small value.
4. a very small object.
5. a very small creature.
adv.
6. to a small extent; somewhat (often prec. by a): a mite selfish.
[1300-50; ME myte < MD mite small copper coin; ult. identical with MITE1]

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Any of about 20,000 species of tiny arachnids (subclass Acari, sometimes Acarina or Acarida).

Species range from microscopic to 0.25 in. (6 mm) long. Mites live in water and soil, on plants, and as plant and animal parasites. Both parasitic and nonparasitic forms transmit plant and animal diseases. Itch mites (family Sarcoptidae), which burrow into the skin of humans and animals, cause the highly contagious disease scabies. A few species transmit tapeworms to cattle. Grain mites (family Glycyphagidae) damage stored products and irritate the skin of those who handle the products. House dust allergy is caused by species of the common genus Dermatophagoides. See also chigger.

Red velvet mite (Dinothrombium; magnified about five times)

Anthony Bannister
Natural History Photographic Agency/EB Inc.

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 any of about 30,000 species of tiny arthropods, members of the mite and tick subclass Acari (class Arachnida), that inhabit a wide range of habitats, including brackish water, fresh water, hot springs, soil, plants, and (as parasites) animals, including human beings. Parasitic forms may live in the nasal passages, lungs, stomach, or deeper body tissues of animals. Some mites are carriers of human and animal diseases. Plant-feeding mites cause damage by feeding on leaf tissues or by transmitting viral diseases.

      Mites are small, often microscopic in size, with the smallest being about 0.1 mm (0.004 inch) in length and the largest being about 6 mm (0.25 inch). They usually have four pairs of legs. In general, they breathe by means of tracheae, or air tubes, but in many species, respiration takes place directly through the skin.

      Mites of the suborder Mesostigmata (order Parasitiformes) include the chicken mite, the northern fowl mite, and the rat mite, all of which attack humans. In addition, there are nasal mites of dogs and birds, lung mites of monkeys, and predatory mites, which are sometimes of benefit in controlling plant-feeding mites.

      The suborder Oribatida (oribatid, or beetle, mites) of the order Acariformes occur in soil and humus and occasionally on tree trunks and foliage. In general, they are not harmful and may play a role in the breakdown of organic matter. A few species transmit tapeworms to cattle or other ruminants.

      Mites of the suborder Astigmata (order Acariformes) include the grain and cheese mites (Acaridae), itch mites (Sarcoptidae) of humans and animals, scab mites (Psoroptidae), feather mites of birds, mites associated with insects, and many free-living forms. Grain mites (Glycyphagidae) not only damage stored products but also cause skin irritations in those who handle such products. Itch mites burrow into the layers of the skin of humans, as well as into the hides of dogs, pigs, sheep, and goats, causing injury. Scab mites are found on sheep and cattle, sometimes causing serious injury. Others are found in the air sacs of bird lungs or in the nasal passages and stomachs of bats. Some mite larvae of the suborder Prostigmata (order Acariformes) are parasitic on insects.

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Universalium. 2010.

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  • mité — mité …   Dictionnaire des rimes

  • mite — [ mit ] n. f. • XIIIe; moy. néerl. mite 1 ♦ Arthropode (acarien ou arachnide) qui vit au détriment de matières végétales ou animales. Mite de la farine, du fromage. 2 ♦ Cour. Petit papillon blanchâtre de la famille des teignes dont les larves… …   Encyclopédie Universelle

  • Mite — (m[imac]t), n. [AS. m[=i]te mite (in sense 1); akin to LG. mite, D. mijt, G. miete, OHG. m[=i]za; cf. Goth. maitan to cut.] 1. (Zo[ o]l.) A minute arachnid, of the order {Acarina}, of which there are many species; as, the dust mite, cheese mite,… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • mite — [maıt] n [: Old English;] 1.) a very small creature that lives in plants, ↑carpets etc 2.) spoken a small child, especially one that you feel sorry for ▪ Poor mite! You must be starving! 3.) a mite slightly = ↑a bit ▪ She s a mite shy. ▪ …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • mité — mité, ée (mi té, tée) adj. Rongé des mites, larves de lépidoptères. Fourrure mitée. ÉTYMOLOGIE    Mite. SUPPLÉMENT AU DICTIONNAIRE    MITÉ. Ajoutez : •   Si Ferré n eût point été D une exacte probité, D une austère prudhommie, Mes vers auraient… …   Dictionnaire de la Langue Française d'Émile Littré

  • Mite 1 — (Torniella,Италия) Категория отеля: Адрес: 53015 Torniella, Италия Описани …   Каталог отелей

  • mite — [ maıt ] noun count 1. ) a very small insect that lives in foods, on plants, or on animals 2. ) SPOKEN a young child or animal, especially one you feel sorry for a mite OLD FASHIONED 1. ) slightly: He looked a mite upset. 2. ) a small amount of… …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • mite — Ⅰ. mite [1] ► NOUN ▪ a minute arachnid, several kinds of which are parasitic. ORIGIN Old English. Ⅱ. mite [2] ► NOUN 1) a small child or animal. 2) …   English terms dictionary

  • mite — MÍTE conj. v. dar, darămite. Trimis de siveco, 13.09.2007. Sursa: Sinonime  míte adv. Trimis de siveco, 10.08.2004. Sursa: Dicţionar ortografic …   Dicționar Român

  • mite — mite1 [mīt] n. [ME < OE, akin to OHG miza, a gnat < IE base * mai , to cut, cut off > MAD] any of a large subclass (Acari) of tiny, sometimes microscopic, arachnids often parasitic upon animals, insects, or plants, or infesting prepared… …   English World dictionary

  • Mite — (engl., spr. Meiht), englisches Gold u. Silbergewicht = 2/3 holl. As …   Pierer's Universal-Lexikon

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