cyamus

/ˈsaɪ.əməs/

Definitions

1. noun

A genus of chewing lice found on marine mammals, particularly whales, seals, and walruses.

“The cyamus infestation on the whale was severe and required immediate treatment.”

2. noun

A genus of parasitic lice, especially those infesting marine mammals.

“The researchers studied the cyamus that infested the walrus to understand its behavior.”

Synonyms

  • chewing lice
  • marine lice

Antonyms

  • free-living insects
  • non-parasitic lice