Jig·ger n.
 1. Zool. A species of flea (Tunga penetrans, or Sarcopsylla penetrans, or  Pulex penetrans), which burrows beneath the skin; called also jigger flea. See Chigoe.
 2. Zool. Any one of several species of small red mites (esp. Tetranychus irritans and Tetranychus Americanus) of the family Trombiculidae, which, in the larval or leptus stage, burrow beneath the skin of man and various animals, causing great annoyance.  Also called chigger. [Southern U. S.]


 Chig·oe Chig·re n.  Zool. A species of flea (Tunga penetrans, formerly Pulex penetrans), common in the West Indies and South America, which often attacks the feet or any exposed part of the human body, and burrowing beneath the skin produces great irritation. When the female is allowed to remain and breed, troublesome sores result, which are sometimes dangerous. See Jigger. [Written also chegre, chegoe, chique, chigger, jigger.]
 Note: ☞ The name is sometimes erroneously given to certain mites or ticks having similar habits.

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 Tunga penetrans
      n : small tropical flea; the fertile female burrows under the
          skin of the host including humans [syn: chigoe, chigger,
           chigoe flea]