blister-beetle

A scientist carefully examines a blister-beetle under a magnifying glass.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of beetle: "blister-beetle" refers to any beetle of the family Meloidae, which secretes a substance called cantharidin that can cause blisters on the skin.
   • Source of cantharidin: Specifically, the dried bodies of certain blister-beetles are used historically as a blistering agent in medicine or as a poison.

Usage Examples

• (The beetle secretes a chemical that irritates the skin.)
• (The dried beetle was used for its blistering property.)

Advanced Usage

• "blister-beetle poisoning": a condition caused by ingesting cantharidin from blister-beetles, often affecting livestock.
  • Horses that eat hay contaminated with blister-beetle may suffer from blister-beetle poisoning. (Ingestion of the beetle's toxin leads to illness.)

Variants and Related Words

• Blister-fly (n): another name for the blister-beetle, especially in older texts.

  • The blister-fly is known for its defensive secretion. (It is a type of blister-beetle.)

• Cantharidin (n): the chemical compound produced by blister-beetles that causes blistering.

  • Cantharidin is used in some wart removal treatments. (The active substance from the beetle.)

Synonyms

• Spanish fly: a common name for certain blister-beetles, historically used as an aphrodisiac.
• Meloid beetle: the scientific family name for blister-beetles.

Related Idioms

• (No common idioms directly related to "blister-beetle"; it is a specialized term.)