verminous

English

Etymology

From vermin +‎ -ous.

Pronunciation

  • (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /ˈvɜː.mɪ.nəs/
  • (General American) IPA(key): /ˈvɝ.mɪ.nəs/
  • Audio (US):(file)

Adjective

verminous (comparative more verminous, superlative most verminous)

  1. Infested with vermin.
    The old beggar kept a verminous mongrel dog for a pet.
    The dog was constantly scratching his many verminous sores and welts.
  2. Actively unpleasant, contemptible, or otherwise reminiscent of vermin.
    • 1985, Lawrence Durrell, Quinx (Avignon Quintet), Faber & Faber, published 2004, page 1350:
      They had brought all their own equipment with them, trade by trade, tongue by tongue; they travelled in ancient lorries or in slower carts with their verminous armfuls of keen-eyed children.
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