What is dust mite? How to use in English

Discover the meaning of dust mite in English, its pronunciation, and how to use it correctly in real-life situations. See examples and easy memorization tips.

Definition & pronunciation of dust mite

dust mitenoun

con mạt bụi

/ˈdʌst maɪt//ˈdʌst maɪt/

Where does the word dust mite come from?

The term "dust mite" refers to a tiny, common arthropod that resides in household environments. These mites are so small (about 0.1-0.3 mm in length) that they are often undetectable to the naked eye. They thrive in humid and warm conditions, commonly found in places like bedding, carpets, and upholstery, where they consume organic matter such as dead skin cells and fungal spores. The word "dust mite" originated in the early 20th century, coined by entomologists who observed these mites in house dust samples. The term "dust mite" implies a relation to household dust, which is accurate given the ubiquity of these mites in our living spaces. In reality, these mites are not true mites but are more closely related to spiders and ticks, forming a separate class called Acari. Despite their small size and seemingly innocent behavior, some individuals with dust mite allergies can experience allergic symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and skin rashes upon contact with these creatures' bodies or feces. To minimize exposure to dust mites, regular vacuuming, dusting, and washing of bedding and other fabrics in hot water are recommended.

Example of vocabulary dust mitenamespace

  • The bedding in my childhood bedroom still contains a high concentration of dust mites, leading to frequent allergic reactions when I visit my parents.
  • Upon learning that my cat's favorite sleeping spot is also home to a significant population of dust mites, I decided to invest in a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPAfilter for our air conditioning unit.
  • According to the study, exposure to dust mites in infancy is a risk factor for developing allergies and asthma later in life.
  • The research on dust mites demonstrates that they flourish in warm, humid environments with abundant food sources like pet dander and human skin cells.
  • My doctor recommended using anti-dust mite pillows, mattress covers, and vacuum bags to reduce the levels of allergens in my home.

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