horn fly
noun
: a small dark gray European dipteran fly (Haematobia irritans) that has been introduced into North America where it is a blood-sucking pest especially of cattle
Examples of horn fly in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Suzan Murray, director of the Smithsonian’s Global Health Program, suggests that climate change may play a role: Insects such as horn flies that could be transmitting parasites could be thriving in generally warmer and wetter conditions.
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Jacob Brogan, Smithsonian, 19 May 2017
Jacob Brogan, Smithsonian, 19 May 2017
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Word History
First Known Use
1708, in the meaning defined above
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Cite this Entry
“Horn fly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/horn%20fly. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.
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Medical Definition
horn fly
noun
: a small black European dipteran fly (Haematobia irritans of the family Muscidae) that has been introduced into North America where it is a bloodsucking pest of cattle
called also cattle fly
More from Merriam-Webster on horn fly
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about horn fly
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