# Acarus

CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/acarus
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

a very small, eight-legged animal that is related to spiders and mites. You usually find them in soil or on plants.

For teachers: a small, eight-legged arachnid belonging to the subclass Acari, which includes mites and ticks. Often used in scientific contexts to refer to the group as a whole.

## Examples

- The acarus lives in the soil and feeds on plant matter.
- Researchers studied the acarus to understand how it survives in extreme desert conditions without water.
- While the acarus is often considered a pest in agricultural settings, it plays a vital role in the decomposition of organic material within the ecosystem.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.