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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
After an early stint studying specialized light-sensing cells in the eyes of fruit flies, he became intrigued by the mammalian taste system.
—Esther Landhuis, Quanta Magazine, 14 June 2024
In separate lab experiments over the past decade, rapamycin has been found to extend the lifespan of yeast, nematodes, fruit flies, and mice.
—Jacob Sweet, Vox, 8 May 2024
Inspector’s notes include: employee not washing hands after changing tasks; no date markings for items in reach-in coolers; presence of fruit flies; unlabeled food not stored in its original container; fan to cool food is covered in dust.
—Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2024
Mouse droppings mold and fruit flies were among the health code violations discovered by Sacramento County inspectors at local food-serving facilities.
—Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 31 May 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 4 Jul. 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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