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Blackfly - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A blackfly is a small, dark-colored biting insect, often found near water. Some species are pests that bite humans and animals, while others can spread diseases. They are common in many regions.

blackfly

/ˈblækˌflaɪ/ /ˈblækˌflaɪ/

Definition:

A small, dark-colored fly, often a pest to plants or animals.

Synonyms:

aphid, midge, gnat

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

butterfly, ladybug

Common Collocations:

blackfly infestation, blackfly bite, blackfly season

Derivatives:

blackflies, blackfly-infested

Usage Tips:

Use "blackfly" to refer to the insect; avoid confusion with other small flies like gnats or mosquitoes.

Common Phrases:

swarmed by blackflies, blackfly season, blackfly plague

Etymology:

Derived from Old English "blæc" (black) + "fleoge" (fly), referring to its dark color and flying nature.

Examples:

  • 1. The blackfly landed on the rose bush.
  • 2. She sprayed repellent to keep the blackflies away.
  • 3. Blackflies are common near rivers in summer.
  • 4. The farmer worried about blackfly damage to his crops.

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