fly : Idioms & Phrases

Ad"der fly

Definitions

1. A dragon fly.

Webster 1913

• noun dark-colored insect having predaceous aquatic larvae
  alderfly; Sialis lutaria.
  

WordNet

• noun erect deciduous North American shrub with yellow-white flowers
  Lonicera canadensis; American fly honeysuckle.
  

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• noun New World flying squirrels
  

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• noun winged insect resembling a dragonfly; the larvae (doodlebugs) dig conical pits where they wait to catch e.g. ants
  ant lion; antlion.
  

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• (Zoöl.), any dipterous insect, the larva of which burrows in apples. Apple flies belong to the genera Drosophila and Trypeta.

Webster 1913

• adverb by the shortest and most direct route
  
  • it's 10 miles as the crow flies

WordNet

• in a direct line.

Webster 1913

• noun nocturnal rodent of Asia having furry folds of skin between forelegs and hind legs enabling it to move by gliding leaps
  

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• noun a drinker who frequents bars
  

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• (Zoöl.), a fly found on bean flowers.

Webster 1913

• noun hairy nectar-eating fly that resembles a bee; larvae are parasitic on larvae of bees and related insects
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), a two winged fly of the family Bombyliidæ. Some species, in the larval state, are parasitic upon bees.

Webster 1913

Ber"na fly`

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) A Brazilian dipterous insect of the genus Trypeta, which lays its eggs in the nostrils or in wounds of man and beast, where the larvæ do great injury.

Webster 1913

• noun having both pectoral and pelvic fins enlarged
  biplane flying fish.
  

WordNet

• noun small blackish stout-bodied biting fly having aquatic larvae; sucks the blood of birds as well as humans and other mammals
  blackfly; buffalo gnat.
  

WordNet

• . (Zoöl.) (a) In the United States, a small, venomous, two-winged fly of the genus Simulium of several species, exceedingly abundant and troublesome in the northern forests. The larvæ are aquatic. (b) A black plant louse, as the bean aphis (A. fabæ).

Webster 1913

• See under Black, Cheese, etc.

Webster 1913

• noun using only instruments for flying an aircraft because you cannot see through clouds or mists etc.
  blind landing.
  

WordNet

• a blister beetle.

Webster 1913

• noun large usually hairy metallic blue or green fly; lays eggs in carrion or dung or wounds
  blowfly.
  

WordNet

• a roving machine.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), a fly of the genus Ephydra, the larvæ of which live in artificial brines and in salt lakes.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), a small dipterous insect of the genus Simulium, allied to the black fly of the North. It is often extremely abundant in the lower part of the Mississippi valley and does great injury to domestic animals, often killing large numbers of cattle and horses. In Europe the Columbatz fly is a species with similar habits.

Webster 1913

Bull" fly`, Bull"fly` noun (Also<

• Bull fly
• Bullfly

)

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) Any large fly troublesome to cattle, as the gadflies and breeze flies.

Webster 1913

Bur"rel fly`

Etymology

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) The botfly or gadfly of cattle (Hypoderma bovis). See Gadfly.

Webster 1913

• noun small moth-like insect having two pairs of hairy membranous wings and aquatic larvae
  caddice fly; caddis fly; caddice-fly.
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), a species of trichopterous insect, whose larva is the caddice.

Webster 1913

• noun small moth-like insect having two pairs of hairy membranous wings and aquatic larvae
  caddice fly; caddis fly; caddice-fly.
  

WordNet

• noun small moth-like insect having two pairs of hairy membranous wings and aquatic larvae
  caddice fly; caddis fly; caddice-fly.
  

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• noun small moth-like insect having two pairs of hairy membranous wings and aquatic larvae
  caddice fly; caddis fly; caddice-fly.
  

WordNet

Can"ker fly`

Definitions

1. A fly that preys on fruit.

Webster 1913

• noun any of various tiny insects whose larvae are parasites on eggs and larvae of other insects; many are beneficial in destroying injurious insects
  chalcid; chalcidfly; chalcid wasp.
  

WordNet

Chal"cid fly`

Etymology

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) One of a numerous family of hymenopterous insects (Chalcididæ. Many are gallflies, others are parasitic on insects.

Webster 1913

• noun a variety of chalcid fly
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), a black dipterous insect (Piophila casei) of which the larvæ or maggots, called ckippers or hoppers, live in cheese.

Webster 1913

Co*lum"batz fly`

Etymology

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) See Buffalo fly, under Buffalo.

Webster 1913

• . (Zoöl.) (a) A small fly which, in the larval state, is injurious to grain, living in the stalk, and causing the disease called "gout," on account of the swelled joints. The common European species is Chlorops tæniopus. (b) A small fly (Anthomyia ze) whose larva or maggot destroys seed corn after it has been planted.

Webster 1913

• noun long-legged slender flies that resemble large mosquitoes but do not bite
  daddy longlegs.
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), a dipterous insect with long legs, of the genus Tipula.

Webster 1913

• noun a highly infectious disease of rodents (especially rabbits and squirrels) and sometimes transmitted to humans by ticks or flies or by handling infected animals
  tularemia; tularaemia; yatobyo; rabbit fever.
  

WordNet

• noun a United States Air Force decoration for heroism while participating in an aerial flight
  

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• noun large soft-bodied insect having long slender mandibles in the male; aquatic larvae often used as bait
  Corydalus cornutus; dobson; dobsonfly.
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), the black, bean, or collier, Aphis (Aphis fable), destructive to beans.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), any insect of the family Libellulidæ. They have finely formed, large and strongly reticulated wings, a large head with enormous eyes, and a long body; called also mosquito hawks. Their larvæ are aquatic and insectivorous.

Webster 1913

• a kind of fly, sometimes used in angling.

Webster 1913

Drone" fly`

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) A dipterous insect (Eristalis tenax), resembling the drone bee. See Eristalis.

Webster 1913

• verb rapidly collapse, die, or drop out in large numbers
  
  • the contestants dropped like flies when the thermometer hit one hundred degrees

WordNet

• noun a fly (fisherman's lure) that skims the surface of the water
  

WordNet

• a bobfly.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), one of a group of neuropterous insects, belonging to the genus Ephemera and many allied genera, which live in the adult or winged state only for a short time. The larvæ are aquatic; called also day fly and May fly.

Webster 1913

• noun cultivated Eurasian shrub with twin yellowish-white flowers and scarlet fruit
  European honeysuckle; Lonicera xylosteum.
  

WordNet

• adjective satellite moving swiftly
  flying.
  
  • fast-flying planes
  • played the difficult passage with flying fingers

WordNet

• noun similar to but smaller than the dobsonfly; larvae are used as fishing bait
  fish fly.
  

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• noun similar to but smaller than the dobsonfly; larvae are used as fishing bait
  fish fly.
  

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• an artificial fly for fishing.

Webster 1913

• noun fly whose larvae feed on carrion or the flesh of living animals
  Sarcophaga carnaria.
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), one of several species of flies whose larvæ or maggots feed upon flesh, as the bluebottle fly; called also meat fly, carrion fly, and blowfly. See Blowly.

Webster 1913

• noun poisonous (but rarely fatal) woodland fungus having a scarlet cap with white warts and white gills
  Amanita muscaria.
  

WordNet

• (Bot.), a mushroom (Agaricus muscarius), having a narcotic juice which, in sufficient quantities, is poisonous.

Webster 1913

• noun fine solid particles of ash that are carried into the air when fuel is combusted
  

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• noun (baseball) a hit that flies up in the air
  fly.
  

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• verb fly an airplane solely by relying on instruments
  

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• (Naut.), a pulley whose position shifts to suit the working of the tackle with which it is connected; used in the hoisting tackle of yards.

Webster 1913

• (Printing Press), the board on which printed sheets are deposited by the fly.

Webster 1913

• a case in the form of a book for anglers' flies. Kingsley.

Webster 1913

• noun the highest navigational bridge on a ship; a small (often open) deck above the pilot house
  fly bridge; monkey bridge; flybridge.
  

WordNet

• verb pass by while flying
  
  • An enemy plane flew by
• verb move by very quickly
  zip by; whisk by.
  

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• a cap with wings, formerly worn by women.

Webster 1913

• noun casting an artificial fly as a lure
  

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• verb fly a plane by using visible landmarks or points of reference
  

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• a drill having a reciprocating motion controlled by a fly wheel, the driving power being applied by the hand through a cord winding in reverse directions upon the spindle as it rotates backward and forward. Knight.

Webster 1913

• the act or art of angling with a bait of natural or artificial flies. Walton.

Webster 1913

• an implement for killing flies.

Webster 1913

• noun a narrow raised platform at the side of a stage in a theater; stagehands can work the ropes controlling equipment in the flies
  fly floor.
  

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• noun an opening in a garment that is closed by a zipper or by buttons concealed under a fold of cloth
  fly.
  

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• noun a narrow raised platform at the side of a stage in a theater; stagehands can work the ropes controlling equipment in the flies
  fly floor.
  

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• a governor for regulating the speed of an engine, etc., by the resistance of vanes revolving in the air.

Webster 1913

• verb be elated
  
  • He was flying high during the summer months
• verb make steady progress; be at the high point in one's career or reach a high point in historical significance or importance
  prosper; flourish; thrive.
  
  • The new student is thriving

WordNet

• noun erect deciduous North American shrub with yellow-white flowers
  Lonicera canadensis; American fly honeysuckle.
  

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• (Bot.), a plant of the honeysuckle genus (Lonicera), having a bushy stem and the flowers in pairs, as L. ciliata and L. Xylosteum.

Webster 1913

• a fishhook supplied with an artificial fly.

Webster 1913

• verb go against
  fly in the face of.
  
  • This action flies in the face of the agreement

WordNet

• noun an inconvenience that detracts from the usefulness of something
  

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• verb go against
  fly in the face of.
  
  • This action flies in the face of the agreement

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• an unprinted leaf at the beginning or end of a book, circular, programme, etc.

Webster 1913

• a maggot bred from the egg of a fly. Ray.

Webster 1913

• a screen to exclude insects.

Webster 1913

• (Mach.), a nut with wings; a thumb nut; a finger nut.

Webster 1913

• verb get very angry and fly into a rage
  hit the roof; flip one's lid; have kittens; go ballistic; flip one's wig; hit the ceiling; throw a fit; blow one's stack; lose one's temper; combust; blow up; blow a fuse; have a fit.
  
  • The professor combusted when the student didn't know the answer to a very elementary question
  • Spam makes me go ballistic

WordNet

• verb continue flying
  

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• verb come open suddenly
  
  • the doors flew open in the strong gust

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• noun any of several dwarf creeping orchids with small bizarre insect-like hairy flowers on slender stalks
  
• noun European orchid whose flowers resemble flies
  Ophrys muscifera; Ophrys insectifera.
  

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• (Bot.), a plant (Ophrys muscifera), whose flowers resemble flies.

Webster 1913

• poisoned or sticky paper for killing flies that feed upon or are entangled by it.

Webster 1913

• noun all parts of plant are highly toxic; bulb pounded and used as a fly poison; sometimes placed in subfamily Melanthiaceae
  Amianthum muscitoxicum; Amianthum muscaetoxicum.
  

WordNet

• an arsenical powder used to poison flies.

Webster 1913

• a screw press for punching, embossing, etc., operated by hand and having a heavy fly.

Webster 1913

• a bracket which turns out to support the hinged leaf of a table.

Webster 1913

• noun a long flexible fishing rod used in fly fishing
  

WordNet

• a light fishing rod used in angling with a fly.

Webster 1913

• noun flap consisting of a piece of canvas that can be drawn back to provide entrance to a tent
  fly; rainfly; tent flap; fly sheet.
  

WordNet

• a small loose advertising sheet; a handbill.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), an American bird (Phainopepla nitens), allied to the chatterers and shrikes. The male is glossy blue-black; the female brownish gray.

Webster 1913

• noun a tent with a fly front
  

WordNet

• verb flee; take to one's heels; cut and run
  lam; run; head for the hills; hightail it; bunk; run away; take to the woods; scarper; escape; break away; scat; turn tail.
  
  • If you see this man, run!
  • The burglars escaped before the police showed up

WordNet

• (Mach.), a heavy wheel attached to machinery to equalize the movement (opposing any sudden acceleration by its inertia and any retardation by its momentum), and to accumulate or give out energy for a variable or intermitting resistance. See Fly, n., 9.

Webster 1913

Fly"-bit`ten adjective

Definitions

1. Marked by, or as if by, the bite of flies. Shak.

Webster 1913

• noun a flight at a low altitude (usually of military aircraft) over spectators on the ground
  flypast; flyover.
  

WordNet

• noun a debtor who flees to avoid paying
  
• adjective satellite (of businesses and businessmen) unscrupulous
  shady.
  
  • a shady operation
• adjective satellite ephemeral
  
  • the symphony is no fly-by-night venture

WordNet

Fly"-case` noun

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) The covering of an insect, esp. the elytra of beetles.

Webster 1913

Fly"-catch`ing adjective

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) Having the habit of catching insects on the wing.

Webster 1913

• verb fish with flies as lures
  fly-fish; flyfish.
  

WordNet

Fly"-fish intransitive verb

Definitions

1. To angle, using flies for bait. Walton.

Webster 1913

• noun angling with an artificial fly as a lure
  
• verb fish with flies as lures
  fly-fish; flyfish.
  

WordNet

• noun birds having keeled breastbones for attachment of flight muscles
  carinate bird; carinate.
  

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• noun a large seaplane that floats with its fuselage in the water rather than on pontoons
  

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• noun a small jet-propelled winged missile that carries a bomb
  robot bomb; buzz bomb; doodlebug; V-1.
  

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• noun the highest navigational bridge on a ship; a small (often open) deck above the pilot house
  fly bridge; monkey bridge; flybridge.
  

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• noun a buttress that stands apart from the main structure and connected to it by an arch
  arc-boutant.
  

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• noun (Asian folktale) an imaginary carpet that will fly people anywhere they wish to go
  

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• noun arboreal nocturnal mammal of southeast Asia and the Philippines resembling a lemur and having a fold of skin on each side from neck to tail that is used for long gliding leaps
  flying cat; colugo.
  
• noun East Indian flying squirrel
  taguan; Petaurista petaurista; flying cat.
  

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• noun complete success
  flying colors.
  
  • they passed inspection with flying colors

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• noun complete success
  flying colors.
  
  • they passed inspection with flying colors

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• noun any of several small tropical Asian lizards capable of gliding by spreading winglike membranes on each side of the body
  flying dragon; dragon.
  

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• noun a simple type of jet engine; must be launched at high speed
  ramjet engine; ramjet; athodyd; atherodyde.
  

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• noun the captain of a phantom ship (the Flying Dutchman) who was condemned to sail against the wind until Judgment Day
  
• noun a phantom ship that is said to appear in storms near the Cape of Good Hope
  

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• noun a place where planes take off and land
  airfield; landing field; field.
  

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• noun tropical marine fishes having enlarged winglike fins used for brief gliding flight
  

WordNet

Fly"ing fish`

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) A fish which is able to leap from the water, and fly a considerable distance by means of its large and long pectoral fins. These fishes belong to several species of the genus Exocoetus, and are found in the warmer parts of all the oceans.

Webster 1913

• noun large bat with a head that resembles the head of a fox
  

WordNet

• noun a gecko that has membranous expansions along the sides of its body and limbs and tail that enable it to glide short distances
  Ptychozoon homalocephalum; fringed gecko.
  

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• noun tropical fish with huge fanlike pectoral fins for underwater gliding; unrelated to searobins
  flying gurnard; butterflyfish.
  

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• noun the outermost of two or more jibs
  

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• noun arboreal nocturnal mammal of southeast Asia and the Philippines resembling a lemur and having a fold of skin on each side from neck to tail that is used for long gliding leaps
  flying cat; colugo.
  

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• noun any of several small tropical Asian lizards capable of gliding by spreading winglike membranes on each side of the body
  flying dragon; dragon.
  

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• noun a wrestling maneuver
  

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• noun East Indian flying squirrel
  taguan; Petaurista petaurista; flying cat.
  

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• noun tiny flying phalanger
  

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• noun nocturnal phalangers that move with gliding leaps using parachute-like folds of skin along the sides of the body
  flying phalanger; flying opossum.
  

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• noun nocturnal phalangers that move with gliding leaps using parachute-like folds of skin along the sides of the body
  flying phalanger; flying opossum.
  

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• noun an extinct reptile of the Jurassic and Cretaceous having a bird-like beak and membranous wings supported by the very long fourth digit of each forelimb
  pterosaur.
  

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• noun tropical fish with huge fanlike pectoral fins for underwater gliding; unrelated to searobins
  flying gurnard; butterflyfish.
  

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• noun an (apparently) flying object whose nature is unknown; especially those considered to have extraterrestrial origins
  flying saucer; UFO.
  

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• noun a school for teaching students to fly airplanes
  

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• noun a mobile group of trained people (police or executives or officials) able to move quickly in the case of emergencies
  

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• noun nocturnal phalangers that move with gliding leaps using parachute-like folds of skin along the sides of the body
  flying phalanger; flying opossum.
  

WordNet

Fly"ing squir"rel

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) One of a group of squirrels, of the genera Pteromus and Sciuropterus, having parachute-like folds of skin extending from the fore to the hind legs, which enable them to make very long leaps. ✍ The species of Pteromys are large, with bushy tails, and inhabit southern Asia and the East Indies; those of Sciuropterus are smaller, with flat tails, and inhabit the northern parts of Europe, Asia, and America. The American species (Sciuropterus volucella) is also called Assapan. The Australian flying squrrels, or flying phalangers, are marsupials. See Flying phalanger (above).

Webster 1913

• noun a racing start in which the contestants are already in full motion when they pass the starting line
  running start.
  
• noun a quick and auspicious beginning
  running start.
  

WordNet

• noun a visit that last for only a very short time
  
  • he wanted to hear all about my flying visit to his old stamping grounds

WordNet

• . (Zoöl.) (a) One of numerous species of blood-sucking flies, of the family Tabanidæ, which attack both men and beasts. See Horse fly. (b) A fly of the genus Hippobosca, esp. H. equina. See Horse tick.

Webster 1913

• noun having both pectoral and pelvic fins enlarged
  biplane flying fish.
  

WordNet

• adjective satellite able to fly through the air (as a bird)
  
  • three chicks were raised to the free-flying stage

WordNet

• . (Zoöl.) See Frog hopper.

Webster 1913

• noun any of numerous small insects whose larvae feed on fruits
  fruit fly.
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), a small dipterous insect of the genus Drosophila, which lives in fruit, in the larval state.

Webster 1913

• noun a variety of green lacewing
  goldeneye.
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), any green species of plant lice or aphids, esp. those that infest greenhouse plants.

Webster 1913

• noun blowfly with brilliant coppery green body
  greenbottle.
  

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• noun any of various mecopterous insects of the family Bittacidae
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), the house fly.

Webster 1913

• noun its distinctive song is heard during July and August
  dog-day cicada.
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), an hemipterous insect of the genus Cicada, often called locust. See Cicada.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), a voracious fly of the family Asilidæ. See Hornet fly, under Hornet.

Webster 1913

• noun small dark-colored lacewing fly
  hemerobiid; brown lacewing.
  

WordNet

• noun small fly whose larvae damage wheat and other grains
  Mayetiola destructor.
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), a small dipterous fly or midge (Cecidomyia destructor). Its larvæ live between the base of the lower leaves and the stalk of wheat, and are very destructive to young wheat; so called from the erroneous idea that it was brought into America by the Hessian troops, during the Revolution.

Webster 1913

• adjective satellite pretentious (especially with regard to language or ideals)
  inflated; high-sounding.
  
  • high-flown talk of preserving the moral tone of the school
  • a high-sounding dissertation on the means to attain social revolution
• adjective satellite of high moral or intellectual value; elevated in nature or style
  idealistic; exalted; noble-minded; elevated; rarefied; rarified; grand; high-minded; sublime; lofty.
  
  • an exalted ideal
  • argue in terms of high-flown ideals"- Oliver Franks
  • a noble and lofty concept
  • a grand purpose

WordNet

High"-flown` adjective

Definitions

1. Elevated; proud. "High-flown hopes." Denham.
2. Turgid; extravagant; bombastic; inflated; as, high-flown language. M. Arnold.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), an aphid (Phorodon humuli), very injurious to hop vines.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), an hemipterous insect (Aphrophora interrupta), allied to the cockoo spits. It often does great damage to hop vines.

Webster 1913

• noun small black European fly introduced into North America; sucks blood from cattle especially at the base of the horn
  Haematobia irritans.
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), any dipterous insect of the genus Asilus, and allied genera, of which there are numerous species. They are large and fierce flies which capture bees and other insects, often larger than themselves, and suck their blood. Called also hawk fly, robber fly.

Webster 1913

• noun large swift fly the female of which sucks blood of various animals
  clegg; cleg; horsefly.
  

WordNet

• noun common fly that frequents human habitations and spreads many diseases
  Musca domestica; housefly.
  

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• (Zoöl.), a common fly (esp. Musca domestica), which infests houses both in Europe and America. Its larva is a maggot which lives in decaying substances or excrement, about sink drains, etc.

Webster 1913

• noun hymenopterous insect that resembles a wasp and whose larvae are parasitic on caterpillars and other insect larvae
  

WordNet

• . See Ichneumon, 2.

Webster 1913

• noun navigation of an airplane solely by instruments
  

WordNet

• noun any of two families of insects with gauzy wings (Chrysopidae and Hemerobiidae); larvae feed on insect pests such as aphids
  lacewing.
  

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• (Zoöl.), any one of numerous species of dipterous flies of the genus Chironomus. In form they resemble mosquitoes, but they do not bite. The larvæ live in lakes.

Webster 1913

• noun large brightly marked tropical insect with a process like a snout that was formerly thought to emit light
  lantern fly.
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), any one of several species of large, handsome, hemipterous insects of the genera Laternaria, Fulgora, and allies, of the family Fulgoridæ. The largest species is Laternaria phosphorea of Brazil. The head of some species has been supposed to be phosphorescent.

Webster 1913

• noun large brightly marked tropical insect with a process like a snout that was formerly thought to emit light
  lantern fly.
  

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• verb fire as from a gun
  loose off; let drive.
  
  • The soldiers let drive their bullets

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• noun a gymnastic exercise involving a long leap from a vaulting horse
  

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• noun bloodsucking dipterous fly parasitic on birds and mammals
  hippoboscid.
  

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• (Zoöl.), a parasitic dipterous insect of the group Pupipara. Some of them are wingless, as the bee louse.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), any species of Ephemera, and allied genera; so called because the mature flies of many species appear in May. See Ephemeral fly, under Ephemeral.

Webster 1913

• . (Zoöl.) See Flesh fly, under Flesh.

Webster 1913

• noun small black-and-white fly that damages citrus and other fruits by implanting eggs that hatch inside the fruit
  Ceratitis capitata; medfly.
  

WordNet

• noun having only pectoral fins enlarged
  monoplane flying fish.
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), a black dipterous fly (Psila rosæ) which, in the larval state, is injurious to carrots; called also carrot fly.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), any creature that flies in the night, as some birds and insects.

Webster 1913

• noun large flying squirrel; chiefly of Canada
  Glaucomys sabrinus.
  

WordNet

• adverb on the run or in a hurry
  
  • she wrote those letters on the fly

WordNet

• (Baseball), still in the air; said of a batted ball caught before touching the ground. (b) at the moment needed, without prior preparation. said of objects created as needed in the course of some activity, rather than having been prepared before the activity began. A term Much used in computer programming. (c) busy; in motion..

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.) a dipterous insect whose larva feeds upon the onion; especially, Anthomyia ceparum and Ortalis flexa.

Webster 1913

• verb succeed at easily
  sweep through; ace; nail; sail through; breeze through.
  
  • She sailed through her exams
  • You will pass with flying colors
  • She nailed her astrophysics course

WordNet

• noun any of numerous small insects whose larvae feed on fruits
  fruit fly.
  

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• noun a short high fly ball
  pop fly; pop-up.
  

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• noun a short high fly ball
  pop fly; pop-up.
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), any one of several species of blister beetles infesting the potato vine. The black species (Lytta atrata), the striped (L. vittata), and the gray (L. cinerea, ∨ Fabricii) are the most common. See Blister beetle, under Blister.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), a small two-winged fly (Anthomyia raphani) whose larvæ burrow in radishes. It resembles the onion fly.

Webster 1913

• noun swift predatory fly having a strong body like a bee with the proboscis hardened for sucking juices of other insects captured on the wing
  bee killer.
  

WordNet

• . (Zoöl.) Same as Hornet fly, under Hornet.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), a rose betle, or rose chafer.

Webster 1913

• noun a sacrifice made by hitting a long fly ball
  

WordNet

• noun any of various small dipterous flies; bloodsucking females can transmit sandfly fever and leishmaniasis
  Phlebotomus papatasii; sandfly.
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), any one of several species of small dipterous flies of the genus Simulium, abounding on sandy shores, especially Simulium nocivum of the United States. They are very troublesome on account of their biting habits. Called also no-see-um, punky, and midge.

Webster 1913

• noun any of various mecopterous insects of the family Panorpidae of the northern hemisphere having a long beak and long antennae; males have a tail like that of a scorpion except it is not venomous
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), a neuropterous insect of the genus Panorpa. See Panorpid.

Webster 1913

• noun coarse South American herb grown for its blue-and-white flowers followed by a bladderlike fruit enclosing a dry berry
  apple of Peru; Nicandra physaloides.
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), an aphid.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), any one of several species of neuropterous insects of the genus Rhaphidia; so called because of their large head and elongated neck and prothorax.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), any one of several species of neuropterous insects of the genus Boreus. The male has rudimentary wings; the female is wingless. These insects sometimes appear creeping and leaping on the snow in great numbers.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), any one of numerous species of small dipterous flies of the genus Stratyomys and allied genera. They are often bright green, with a metallic luster, and are ornamented on the sides of the back with markings of yellow, like epaulets or shoulder straps.

Webster 1913

• noun small large-eyed nocturnal flying squirrel of eastern United States
  Glaucomys volans.
  

WordNet

• noun green beetle of southern Europe
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), a brilliant green beetle, common in the south of Europe, used for raising blisters. See Blister beetle under Blister, and Cantharis.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), any one of numerous species of small dipterous flies of the genus Conops and allied genera. The form of the body is similar to that of a sphex.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), any one of numerous species of parasitic dipterous insects of the family Hippoboscidæ. They are mostly destitute of wings, and live among the feathers of birds and the hair of bats. Called also bird tick, and bat tick.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), a caddice fly; so called because it appears in the spring.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), a common dipterous fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) which is abundant about stables and often enters dwellings, especially in autumn. These files, unlike the common house files, which they resemble, bite severely, and are troublesome to horses and cattle.

Webster 1913

• noun pale green unpleasant-smelling lacewing fly having carnivorous larvae
  chrysopid; green lacewing.
  

WordNet

• noun primitive winged insect with a flattened body; used as bait by fishermen; aquatic gilled larvae are carnivorous and live beneath stones
  plecopteran; stonefly.
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), any one of many species of pseudoneuropterous insects of the genus Perla and allied genera; a perlid. They are often used by anglers for bait. The larvæ are aquatic.

Webster 1913

• noun an artificial fly that has wings extending back beyond the crook of the fishhook
  

WordNet

• noun the performance of stunts while in flight in an aircraft
  aerobatics; acrobatics; stunting.
  

WordNet

• noun a variety of fly honeysuckle
  

WordNet

Syr"phus fly`

Etymology

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) Any one of numerous species of dipterous flies of the genus Syrphus and allied genera. They are usually bright-colored, with yellow bands, and hover around plants. The larvæ feed upon plant lice, and are, therefore, very beneficial to agriculture.

Webster 1913

• noun bristly fly whose larvae live parasitically in caterpillars and other insects; important in control of noxious insects
  

WordNet

• (Zoöl.), any two-winged fly of the genus Diopsis, native of Africa and Asia. The telescope flies are remarkable for having the eyes raised on very long stalks.

Webster 1913

• noun flap consisting of a piece of canvas that can be drawn back to provide entrance to a tent
  fly; rainfly; tent flap; fly sheet.
  

WordNet

• verb test a plane
  

WordNet

• to be victorious; to succeed thoroughly in an undertaking.

Webster 1913

• to dress a fishing fly. Prov. Eng. Halliwell.

Webster 1913

• (Com.), to raise money on commercial notes. Cant or Slang

Webster 1913

• (Naut.), to change frequently in a short time; said of the wind.

Webster 1913

• to move about in haste. Colloq.

Webster 1913

• to spring toward; to rush on; to attack suddenly.

Webster 1913

• to defy; to brave; to withstand.
• to insult; to assail; to set at defiance; to oppose with violence; to act in direct opposition to; to resist.

Webster 1913

• to separate, or become detached suddenly; to revolt.

Webster 1913

• to attack.

Webster 1913

• to open suddenly, or with violence.

Webster 1913

• . (a) To rush out. (b) To burst into a passion; to break out into license.

Webster 1913

• to discharge with violence, as a blow, an arrow, or stone. See under Drive, and Fly.

Webster 1913

• . (a) To throw or drive with violence; to discharge. "A man lets fly his arrow without taking any aim." Addison. (b) (Naut.) To let go suddenly and entirely; as, to let fly the sheets.

Webster 1913

• (Naut.), to hook to halyards, sheets, etc., instead of extending with rings or the like on a stay; said of a sail.

Webster 1913

• a person who haunts the tables of others; a parasite. R. L'Estrange.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), a botfly.

Webster 1913

• noun bloodsucking African fly; transmits sleeping sickness etc.
  tzetze; glossina; tsetse fly; tsetse.
  

WordNet

• . (Zoöl.) (a) The turnip flea. (b) A two-winged fly (Anthomyia radicum) whose larvæ live in the turnip root.

Webster 1913

• noun having only pectoral fins enlarged
  monoplane flying fish.
  

WordNet

• noun bloodsucking African fly; transmits sleeping sickness etc.
  tzetze; glossina; tsetse fly; tsetse.
  

WordNet

• noun an (apparently) flying object whose nature is unknown; especially those considered to have extraterrestrial origins
  flying saucer; UFO.
  

WordNet

• noun flies whose larvae feed on pickles and imperfectly sealed preserves
  

WordNet

• noun hairy bee-like fly whose larvae produce lumpy abscesses (warbles) under the skin of cattle
  

WordNet

Wa*re"ga fly`

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) A Brazilian fly whose larvæ live in the skin of man and animals, producing painful sores.

Webster 1913

• a species of fly resembling a wasp, but without a sting.

Webster 1913

• noun fisherman's fly that floats under the surface of the water
  

WordNet

• . (Zoöl.) Same as Wheat midge, below.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), a greenish European stone fly (Chloroperla viridis); called also yellow Sally.

Webster 1913

• (Zoöl.), small two-winged fly of the genus Piophila, whose larva lives in wine, cider, and other fermented liquors.

Webster 1913