drosophila
noun
dro·soph·i·la
drō-ˈsä-fə-lə 
: any of a genus (Drosophila) of fruit flies used in genetic research
Examples of drosophila in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The little worms are actually maggots from a fruit fly of East Asian origin known as the spotted wing drosophila (SWD), according to Cornell University’s Fruit Resources.
—
Erin Corbett, refinery29.com, 22 May 2020
Spotted wing drosophila can be a pest; the best control is to keep your beds clean.
—oregonlive, 7 Apr. 2020
Spotted wing drosophila can be a pest; the best control is good sanitation.
—Kym Pokorny, OregonLive.com, 8 May 2018
In the abdomens of male drosophila lie brain cells which produce a pleasure protein called neuropeptide corazonin, which triggers the release of sperm and seminal fluid.
—Melissa Healy, latimes.com, 19 Apr. 2018
And drosophila are poor fliers, rarely commuting between kipukas.
—Elyse Butler, Smithsonian, 29 Apr. 2017
A lot of the evolution research done here has focused on drosophila—
—Elyse Butler, Smithsonian, 2 May 2017
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Erin Corbett, refinery29.com, 22 May 2020
Spotted wing drosophila can be a pest; the best control is to keep your beds clean.
—oregonlive, 7 Apr. 2020
Spotted wing drosophila can be a pest; the best control is good sanitation.
—Kym Pokorny, OregonLive.com, 8 May 2018
In the abdomens of male drosophila lie brain cells which produce a pleasure protein called neuropeptide corazonin, which triggers the release of sperm and seminal fluid.
—Melissa Healy, latimes.com, 19 Apr. 2018
And drosophila are poor fliers, rarely commuting between kipukas.
—Elyse Butler, Smithsonian, 29 Apr. 2017
A lot of the evolution research done here has focused on drosophila—
—Elyse Butler, Smithsonian, 2 May 2017
Cite this Entry
“Drosophila.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drosophila. Accessed 4 Mar. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
drosophila
noun
dro·soph·i·la
drō-ˈsäf-ə-lə
: any of a genus of fruit flies used especially in genetics research
Medical Definition
drosophila
noun
dro·soph·i·la
drō-ˈsäf-ə-lə, drə-
1
capitalized
: a genus of small dipteran flies that include many (as D. melanogaster) extensively used in genetic research
2
: any fly of the genus Drosophila
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