ENGLISH
REFERENCE

vermin

n.
C1 Advanced US //ˈvɝmɪn// UK //vˈɜːmɪn// ver·min

n. animals that are considered pests or nuisances, like rats or mice. It is also a very rude word for people who are seen as dirty or useless.

n. animals that are regarded as pests or nuisances, particularly small rodents. In a derogatory sense, it refers to people who are considered contemptible or socially undesirable.


SIMPLE

The kitchen was full of vermin after the trash was left out.

CONTEXTUAL

The city spent thousands of dollars on traps to eliminate the vermin that were damaging the local crops.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English vermyn, vermyne, from Old French vermine, from Vulgar Latin *verminum (“vermin”), collective noun formed from Latin vermis (“worm”). Compare vermiculate and vermivorous. See also worm.

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