especially: one of a formerly extensive genus (Acarus)
Word History
Etymology
borrowed from New Latin, a re-formation as a masculine noun of Greek akarí (neuter) "mite," probably of pre-Greek substratal origin
Note: The masculine re-formation of Greek akarí is perhaps late Medieval Latin; the form appears in 16th-century Latin/vernacular dictionaries such as the Dutch-Latin dictionary of Cornelis Kiliaan. Greek akarí is conventionally associated with the adjective akarḗs, "tiny, minute," though of equal if not more relevance might be kárnos, "louse" (Hesychius) and kóris, "bedbug."
First Known Use
1657, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
acarus
noun
ac·a·rus ˈak-ə-rəs
1
capitalized: a genus of arachnids including a number of small mites and formerly including all mites and ticks
2
plural acari -ˌrī -ˌrē : mite
especially: one of the genus Acarus or formerly included in this genus