Word: flea

Associations

A flea is a small, wingless insect that lives by feeding on the blood of animals and humans.

• Fleas are known for their ability to jump long distances. For example, a dog can have fleas that make it itchy and uncomfortable.
• You might find fleas in places where pets live, such as a pet store or a home with a cat or dog.
• Fleas can transfer diseases and cause allergies in both animals and humans.

The well-known synonym "tick" refers to a different type of parasitic insect. While both are bloodsucking, ticks are typically larger and attach to the skin longer than fleas do.

Substitution

Instead of 'flea', you can use:

• Parasite - a broader term that includes fleas, ticks, and other organisms that live off hosts.
• Insect - general term that refers to a larger category of creatures, including fleas.
• Bug - informal term that can mean any small creature but does not specifically indicate a parasite.

These substitutions change the meaning or clarity depending on the context. For example, "insect" could refer to many non-parasitic creatures like bees or butterflies.

Deconstruction

The word "flea" comes from Old English "fleah", which has roots in Proto-Germanic. Its simple one-syllable structure reflects its ancient origins. There are no prefixes or suffixes in 'flea'.

Inquiry

• How might having a flea infestation affect a pet and its owner?
• Can you remember a time when you encountered fleas, perhaps in a friend's home or while visiting a pet store?
• What are some ways you think people can prevent fleas from entering their homes?