English Lexicon

Deerfly

/ˈdɪr.flaɪ/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #15000 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A type of large fly that feeds on the blood of mammals, particularly deer.

    "During the summer, the deerfly can be quite a nuisance for hikers in wooded areas."
  2. 2

    Any of several species of flies in the genus Chrysops, known for their painful bites.

    "The deerfly's bite can cause significant irritation and allergic reactions in some people."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'deerfly' is derived from the combination of 'deer', referring to the animal, and 'fly', from Old English 'flēoge', which means a flying insect. The word has been used in English since the 19th century to describe a specific type of horsefly that is known for its association with deer habitats.

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