blister beetle

noun

: a beetle (such as the Spanish fly) used medicinally dried and powdered to raise blisters on the skin
broadly : any of a family (Meloidae) of soft-bodied beetles whose blood contains cantharidin

Examples of blister beetle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Mayapple attracts several species of bee as well as blister beetles. Susan Degrane, Chicago Tribune, 29 Oct. 2024 Here's how the blister beetle got its name and what to do if you're burned. Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 22 May 2024 If blister beetle populations become particularly problematic, consult with a professional pest control service for assistance in managing blister beetle infestations. Tiffany Acosta, The Arizona Republic, 2 May 2024 What are blister beetles attracted to? Michael Salerno, The Arizona Republic, 7 Apr. 2023 In January 1862, Lewis’ two white roommates accused her of poisoning their wine with Spanish fly, a toxin produced by the blister beetle, often used in those days as an aphrodisiac. Jessica Lynne, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Feb. 2022 There are 30 species of blister beetles in Wisconsin, but they are more commonly found in states farther west such as Kansas, Wyoming and Texas. Chelsey Lewis, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, 14 Jan. 2020 In the grand scheme of things, blister beetles are not uncommon in Wisconsin. Washington Post, 14 Jan. 2020 But at the larva stage, blister beetles take a slight detour that brings them in contact with a particular species of bees. Avery Thompson, Popular Mechanics, 12 Sep. 2018

Word History

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of blister beetle was in 1771

Dictionary Entries Near blister beetle

Cite this Entry

“Blister beetle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/blister%20beetle. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

blister beetle

noun
: any of a family of soft-bodied beetles including some whose dried bodies are used in medicine to blister the skin

Medical Definition

blister beetle

noun
: any of various beetles (as the Spanish fly) that are used medicinally dried and powdered to raise blisters on the skin
broadly : any of numerous soft-bodied beetles (family Meloidae)

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