drosophila

noun

dro·​soph·​i·​la drō-ˈsä-fə-lə 

: any of a genus (Drosophila) of fruit flies used in genetic research

Examples of drosophila in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The little worms are actually maggots from a fruit fly of East Asian origin known as the spotted wing drosophila (SWD), according to Cornell University’s Fruit Resources. —Erin Corbett, refinery29.com, 22 May 2020

Spotted wing drosophila can be a pest; the best control is to keep your beds clean. —oregonlive, 7 Apr. 2020

Spotted wing drosophila can be a pest; the best control is good sanitation. —Kym Pokorny, OregonLive.com, 8 May 2018

In the abdomens of male drosophila lie brain cells which produce a pleasure protein called neuropeptide corazonin, which triggers the release of sperm and seminal fluid. —Melissa Healy, latimes.com, 19 Apr. 2018

A lot of the evolution research done here has focused on drosophila— —Elyse Butler, Smithsonian, 2 May 2017

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Greek drosos dew + New Latin -phila, feminine of -philus -phil

First Known Use

circa 1829, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for drosophila

• philomela
• sheila
• tequila

Kids Definition

drosophila

noun

dro·​soph·​i·​la drō-ˈsäf-ə-lə 

: any of a genus of fruit flies used especially in genetics research

Medical Definition

drosophila

noun

dro·​soph·​i·​la drō-ˈsäf-ə-lə, drə- 

1

capitalized : a genus of small dipteran flies that include many (as D. melanogaster) extensively used in genetic research

2

: any fly of the genus Drosophila