blister-fly
Definition
Noun: A blister-fly is any of various beetles of the family Meloidae, especially of the genus Lytta or Epicauta, whose body fluids contain cantharidin, a toxic substance that causes blistering of the skin when crushed.
Usage Examples
- (The beetle's chemical defense mechanism.)
- (Precautionary measure against the beetle's toxic effects.)
Advanced Usage
- "to be as toxic as a blister-fly": a figurative expression meaning to be extremely harmful or dangerous in a subtle way.
- His advice was as toxic as a blister-fly, leading to financial ruin. (His seemingly helpful guidance caused severe harm.)
Variants and Related Words
- Blister beetle (n): a common synonym for blister-fly, referring to any beetle in the family Meloidae.
- The blister beetle is often used in traditional medicine despite its toxicity. (A related insect with similar properties.)
Synonyms
- Blister beetle: the more common term for this insect.
- Cantharid: a less common synonym derived from the genus .
Related Idioms
- "to have a blister-fly's touch": an idiomatic expression meaning to cause harm or trouble unintentionally.
- Every time he tries to help, he has a blister-fly's touch, and things get worse. (His good intentions lead to negative outcomes.)