Garapata

/ɡɑːrɑːˈpɑːtə/ noun

Definition

A tick (parasitic arachnid); a bloodsucking arachnid pest.

Etymology

From Spanish 'garrapata' (tick), possibly derived from Taino (Caribbean indigenous language) or from Arabic/Hebrew sources describing parasites.

Kelly Says

This word traveled from Caribbean indigenous languages through Spanish into English, proving that colonialism and trade brought us not just new foods and goods, but also the pests that came with them.

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