Spanish fly

noun

1

: a green blister beetle (Lytta vesicatoria) of southern Europe

2

: cantharis sense 2

Examples of Spanish fly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In January 1862, Lewis’ two white roommates accused her of poisoning their wine with Spanish fly, a toxin produced by the blister beetle, often used in those days as an aphrodisiac. —Jessica Lynne, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Feb. 2022

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1634, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

Spanish fly

noun

1

: a green blister beetle (Lytta vesicatoria of the family Meloidae) of southern Europe that is the source of cantharides

2

: cantharis sense 2