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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.
—Jacob Brogan, Smithsonian, 19 May 2017
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'horn 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
1708, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near horn fly
Cite this Entry
“Horn fly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/horn%20fly. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
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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