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fruit fly
noun
: any of various small dipteran flies (such as a drosophila) whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter
Examples of fruit fly in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Aside from serving as test subjects and leaders in space, fruit flies have become the go-to model organism for studying and navigating genetics.
—Barrett Klein, Smithsonian Magazine, 15 Oct. 2024
Researchers are succeeding in slowing biological aging in fruit flies, worms, mice and primates, offering humanity a second chance at altering the course of human survival.
—Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 7 Oct. 2024
Comparing unknown neurons in the human brain to known ones in fruit flies should help close that gap.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 4 Oct. 2024
This insect trap for unwanted pests Zevo Flying Insect Trap for Indoors
Save 8% on this best-selling trap for fruit flies and houseflies.
—Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 9 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for fruit fly
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'fruit fly.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
circa 1753, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near fruit fly
Cite this Entry
“Fruit fly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fruit%20fly. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.
Kids Definition
fruit fly
noun
: any of various small two-winged flies whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter
Medical Definition
fruit fly
noun
: any of various small dipteran flies (as a drosophila) whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter
More from Merriam-Webster on fruit fly
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about fruit fly
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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