acaro-, acar-, acari-, acarin-

The genus of the mites that are internal parasites of honey bees: The farmer's apiary was devastated by an infestation of tiny arachnids of the genus Acarapis.

Pertaining to, caused by, or of the nature of an acarus (mite): The loss of the honey crop was attributed to the acararian invasion of a new species of mites that attacked the hives.

Mites and ticks: The Acari comprise a diverse order of small free-living and parasitic arthropods (Arachnida) comprising about 30,000 recognized species, although this may represent only a small proportion of the world fauna. The body of a mite is mostly small, compact, the head and abdomen fused, the mouthparts include "chelicerae" and "subcapitulum". There is an immense variety of form and habit in three suborders, Acariformes, Opilioacriformes, and Parasitiformes.

"Aristotle called mites "akari" and they are now described as being of the order Acarina. They are impressively tiny, the follicle mite with all its complex anatomy is smaller than the single cell of the human ovum."

"Our skins are a habitat which supports a whole flora and fauna of creatures which have evolved with us through millennia."

"Few people can calmly accept the idea that worm-like creatures which have been described as eight-legged crocodiles squirm out their microcosmic lives in warm oily lairs in our hair follicles.""

A tick or mite of the subclass Acani: In his biology book, Jim learned about acarians, which were also termed arachnids or the order Acarina.

Pertaining to, caused by, or of the nature of a mite: Acarian organisms are minute or tiny creatures whose history goes back to the early Devonian period.

1. Infestation with mites: Jim's neighbor had cleaners come to their house to disinfect their rugs because of the acariasis that existed there.
2. Any disease caused by mites, usually a skin infestation or "dermatitis": The red blotches on Tom's skin appeared to be acariasi, apparently caused by the mites that came into the house by his dog that had been running in the field of wild grass.

A reference to a substance, or preparation for, killing acarids or mites: Jim, the rug cleaner, recommended that Mrs. Timmons apply the most acaricidal solution she could find to the rug on a regular basis to get rid of any mites that might appear again.

To kill or to destroy mites with a special solution: The disinfectant that Mark had purchased at the hardware store was acariciding the mites in the garden very effectively.

An insect that is parasitic on animals or plants and which includes the mites and ticks: When Sharon walked in the deep grass, she was bitten by acarids which caused rashes and pain.

The taxonomic family of small insects consisting of mites and ticks: After Linda was bitten by a tick, she got a book from the library so she could read about Acaridae, especially how to protect herself from further bites.

Of or belonging to mites or a member of the mite family: The acaridans which were listed in the book from the library indicated various sizes from microscopic to larger species."

Referring to mites or to the family Acaridae: In the internet Judy found out that acaridian creatures could be ticks or mites of the subclass Acarina of arachnids.

A state of being invaded or overrun by itching mites: The acaridiasis caused Nancy's dog to scratch so vigorously and incessantly that she had to take it to the veterinarian for treatment.

Shaped or in the form of a mite or mites: Using powerful microscopes in the biology laboratory, the students studied and drew acariforms as part of their class assignment.

A taxonomic superorder of mites comprising three subgroups, Astigmata, Oribatei, Prostigmata, and including phytophagous, fungivorous, predatory, and parasitic forms: The lecture in the zoological department at the university focused on Acariformes, a topic of great interest to the veterinarian students.