itch

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun a contagious skin infection caused by the itch mite; characterized by persistent itching and skin irritation
  2. noun a strong restless desire
  3. noun an irritating cutaneous sensation that produces a desire to scratch

Etymology

From Middle English icche, ȝicche, from Old English ġiċċe (“itch”), from Proto-Germanic *jukjǭ (“itch”), of unknown origin. Cognate with Scots yeuk (“itch, itchiness”), Dutch jeuk (“itch”), German jucken.

In classic literature

Synonyms

scabies

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