A family of the order Acarina, a large group of exceptionally small mites, usually 0.5 mm or less, abundant in dried fruits and meats, grain, meal, and flour; frequently a cause of severe dermatitis among persons hypersensitized by frequent handling of infested products.
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Acar·i·dae ə-'kar-ə-.dē n pl a large and widely distributed family of mites that feed on organic substances (as preserved meats, hides, seeds, and grains) and are sometimes responsible for dermatitis in persons exposed to repeated contacts with infested products see GROCER'S ITCH
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Acar·i·dae (ə-karґĭ-de) a family of small mites. Genera of medical interest include Acarus and Tyrophagus. Several species cause skin rashes, such as grocers' itch, copra itch, and vanillism.Medical dictionary. 2011.