midge

midge

noun \ˈmij\

Definition of MIDGE

: a tiny dipteran fly (as a chironomid)

Origin of MIDGE

Middle English migge, from Old English mycg; akin to Old High German mucka midge, Greek myia fly, Latin musca

First Known Use: before 12th century

Rhymes with MIDGE

bridge, fidge, fridge, ridge

midge

noun \ˈmij\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of MIDGE

: any of numerous tiny dipteran flies (especially families Ceratopogonidae, Cecidomyiidae, and Chironomidae) many of which are capable of giving painful bites and some of which are vectors or intermediate hosts of parasites of humans and various other vertebrates—see biting midge

midge

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Midge (Chironomidae)—N.A. Callow/EB Inc.

Any of a group of tiny dipterans, sometimes called gnats and classified as nonbiting (family Chironomidae), biting (family Ceratopogonidae), or gall (family Cecidomyiidae) midges. Nonbiting midges resemble mosquitoes but are harmless. Humming swarms can be found around water in late afternoon. The often blood-red, aquatic larvae (bloodworms) are important food for aquatic animals. Biting midges (no-see-ums) are the smallest bloodsucking insect (about 0.04 in., or 1 mm, long). Punkies or sand flies (genera Culicoides and Leptoconops) attack humans but do not transmit disease; many species attack other insects. Gall-midge larvae cause tissue swellings (galls) in plants.