A tiny arachnid that often lives as a parasite on plants, animals, or stored food products. Can also mean a very small amount or a small child (informal).
From Old English 'mīte' meaning a small insect, related to Middle Dutch 'mijte'. The sense of 'small amount' developed from the tiny size of the creature, as in the biblical 'widow's mite'.
Dust mites are probably sharing your bed right now - these microscopic creatures feed on dead skin cells and are found in virtually every home! Despite being nearly invisible, some mites are actually beneficial, helping to decompose organic matter in soil.
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