English Lexicon

Biting-Fly

/ˈbaɪ.tɪŋ flaɪ/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #15000 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    Any of various flies that bite humans or animals, often to feed on blood.

    "During the summer, the biting-fly population increases, making outdoor activities less enjoyable."
  2. 2

    A specific type of fly, such as a horsefly or deerfly, known for its painful bite.

    "The horsefly is a notorious biting-fly that can cause significant discomfort to livestock."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'biting-fly' is a compound word formed from 'biting', which originates from the Old English 'bytan', meaning to bite, and 'fly', derived from the Old English 'flēoge', referring to an insect. The term has evolved to specifically denote various species of flies that are known for their biting behavior, particularly those that feed on blood.

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