drosophila

noun

dro·​soph·​i·​la drō-ˈsä-fə-lə How to pronounce drosophila (audio)
: any of a genus (Drosophila) of fruit flies used in genetic research

Examples of drosophila in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The little worms are actually maggots from a fruit fly of East Asian origin known as the spotted wing drosophila (SWD), according to Cornell University’s Fruit Resources. Erin Corbett, refinery29.com, 22 May 2020 Spotted wing drosophila can be a pest; the best control is to keep your beds clean. oregonlive, 7 Apr. 2020 Spotted wing drosophila can be a pest; the best control is good sanitation. Kym Pokorny, OregonLive.com, 8 May 2018 In the abdomens of male drosophila lie brain cells which produce a pleasure protein called neuropeptide corazonin, which triggers the release of sperm and seminal fluid. Melissa Healy, latimes.com, 19 Apr. 2018 And drosophila are poor fliers, rarely commuting between kipukas. Elyse Butler, Smithsonian, 29 Apr. 2017 A lot of the evolution research done here has focused on drosophila Elyse Butler, Smithsonian, 2 May 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'drosophila.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, genus name, from Greek drosos dew + New Latin -phila, feminine of -philus -phil

First Known Use

circa 1829, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of drosophila was circa 1829

Dictionary Entries Near drosophila

Cite this Entry

“Drosophila.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/drosophila. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

drosophila

noun
dro·​soph·​i·​la drō-ˈsäf-ə-lə How to pronounce drosophila (audio)
: any of a genus of fruit flies used especially in genetics research

Medical Definition

drosophila

noun
dro·​soph·​i·​la drō-ˈsäf-ə-lə, drə- How to pronounce drosophila (audio)
1
capitalized : a genus of small dipteran flies that include many (as D. melanogaster) extensively used in genetic research
2
: any fly of the genus Drosophila
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