sheep ked

noun

ˈshēp-ˌked 

: a wingless bloodsucking dipteran fly (Melophagus ovinus) that feeds chiefly on sheep and is a vector of sheep trypanosomiasis

called also sheep tick

Word History

Etymology

sheep + ked sheep ked, of unknown origin

First Known Use

1925, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

sheep ked

noun

: a wingless bloodsucking hippoboscid fly of the genus Melophagus (M. ovinus) that feeds chiefly on sheep and is a vector of sheep trypanosomiasis

called also ked, sheep tick