mange

Everyday

A skin disease of dogs, foxes, cats and other animals, caused by tiny mites; it makes the fur fall out and the skin itchy and sore. tree →

In the lessons

In science and animal care, mange is caused by mites that burrow into skin. Foxes in towns in the UK often have mange, which is why some look bald and thin. Vets can treat it with medicine. The adjective «mangy» means suffering from mange, and in everyday talk «mangy» also means shabby or scruffy: «a mangy old coat».

Examples

• The poor fox had mange and had lost most of its fur. tree →
• The vet gave our dog drops to cure his mange. tree →
• Mange is caused by tiny mites in the skin. tree →
• A dog with mange scratches all the time. tree →
• Animal rescue groups help foxes with mange. tree →
• Mange can spread between animals that are close together. tree →
• The stray cat's mange got better after treatment. tree →
• Grandad called his old jumper «mangy». tree →

Note

Uncountable. Pronounced «maynj» (rhymes with «change»). Adjective: mangy. Not the same as the French «manger» (to eat). Sarcoptic mange in dogs can sometimes cause an itchy rash on people too, so wash hands after touching a sick animal. Not a maths word.