Sanskrit word for "flea" ?

pokoya · 03-25-2008, 02:44 PM

I am, at the moment, away from my home laptop. I am a self-taught student of Sanskrit for the past two years or so, and I enjoy reading and writing (typing!) words in Devangari script. I have been unable to locate the Sanskrit word for the common parasite, the flea.

Monier-Williams has several words for small insect, and even for a small noxious insect, but does not specify "flea". I have been unsuccessful in locating the word online as well.

pokoya · 03-25-2008, 02:52 PM

Postscript: I do have a good resource in Hindi....but it would be an assumption that the Hindi word for flea, (from memory, away from my desk...it is pissu, yes...?) is the same as Sanskrit.

If the word for "flea" is the same in Sanskrit, as in Hindi, I would appreciate a knowledgeable confirmation....if it is not the same, it would be wonderful for me to learn the Sanskrit word....appreciate your kind effort and attention in this regard.

Pokoya

Shoyonika · 03-31-2008, 02:01 PM

For a Flea,
1). dEhikA-feminine
2). mathkuNa or mathkuna-masculine
and amarakOSa says,
1). makSikA
2). varvaNA
3). damSikA

pokoya · 04-05-2008, 10:13 PM

Namaste Shoyonika!....I thank you....how marvellous to have an answer to one's questions....your kindness in giving attention to this matter is deeply appreciated!