fruit fly

noun

: any of various small dipteran flies (such as a drosophila) whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter

Examples of fruit fly in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web After an early stint studying specialized light-sensing cells in the eyes of fruit flies, he became intrigued by the mammalian taste system. Esther Landhuis, Quanta Magazine, 14 June 2024 In separate lab experiments over the past decade, rapamycin has been found to extend the lifespan of yeast, nematodes, fruit flies, and mice. Jacob Sweet, Vox, 8 May 2024 Inspector’s notes include: employee not washing hands after changing tasks; no date markings for items in reach-in coolers; presence of fruit flies; unlabeled food not stored in its original container; fan to cool food is covered in dust. Pamela McLoughlin, Hartford Courant, 27 Feb. 2024 Mouse droppings mold and fruit flies were among the health code violations discovered by Sacramento County inspectors at local food-serving facilities. Jacqueline Pinedo, Sacramento Bee, 31 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for fruit fly 

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

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1753, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of fruit fly was circa 1753

Dictionary Entries Near fruit fly

Cite this Entry

“Fruit fly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fruit%20fly. Accessed 2 Jul. 2024.

Kids Definition

fruit fly

noun
: any of various small two-winged flies whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter

Medical Definition

fruit fly

noun
: any of various small dipteran flies (as a drosophila) whose larvae feed on fruit or decaying vegetable matter

More from Merriam-Webster on fruit fly

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