flea — English Dictionary

Noun

1. A small, wingless, parasitic insect of the order Siphonaptera, renowned for its bloodsucking habits and jumping abilities.

2. A thing of no significance.

   Usage

   • Derogatory

   Examples

   More examples (1)

   The nation of beggars on horseback which first colonized California has left behind it many traditions unworthy of conservation, and multitudinous fleas not at all traditional, but even less keepworthy […]

Verb

1. To remove fleas from (an animal).

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   deflea

   Examples

   I have seen a Lubra, or native woman, suckling two puppies; and, like monkeys, these ladies have a particular fancy for fleaing their dogs.

Noun

1. any wingless bloodsucking parasitic insect noted for ability to leap

   Broader terms

   insectectoparasiteectozoanectozoonepizoanepizoon