meloid
Definition
Noun: 1. A type of blister beetle: A beetle belonging to the family Meloidae, known for producing a caustic secretion (cantharidin) that can cause blisters on the skin.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The farmer identified the insect as a meloid after it caused blisters on his hand.
- Meloids are often considered pests in agriculture.
- The secretion of the meloid is a defensive chemical.
Advanced Usage
- Scientific Context: In entomology, "meloid" is used as a standard term for any beetle within the superfamily Tenebrionoidea, family Meloidae. The study of these beetles involves their complex life cycles, which often include parasitic larval stages.
- The research paper focused on the phylogeny of the meloid family.
Variants and Related Words
- Blister Beetle (n): The common name for meloids, directly referencing their ability to cause blisters.
- Blister beetles, or meloids, should be handled with care.
- Cantharidin (n): The toxic chemical compound produced by meloids that causes blistering.
- Cantharidin from meloids has been used historically in medicine.
Synonyms
- Blister Beetle: The most common direct synonym.
- Oil Beetle: A common name for certain genera of meloids (e.g., ).
Notes on Different Meanings
The word "meloid" has a very specific, technical meaning in zoology and entomology. It does not have broad, everyday meanings or common idiomatic uses. Its usage is almost entirely confined to scientific descriptions of these particular beetles.
Noun
-
beetle that produces a secretion that blisters the skin
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