bluebottle fly

American  

noun

1. any of several iridescent blue blow flies, especially those of the genus Calliphora, some of which are parasitic on domestic animals.

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Etymology

Origin of bluebottle fly

First recorded in 1710–20

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

bluebottle fly

A later observation: that bone infections could be cured by the use of bluebottle fly maggots.

From Time Magazine Archive

Philip Marlowe's latest adventure began on a lovely summer day when Marlowe had nothing better to do than to stalk a bluebottle fly with a swatter.

From Time Magazine Archive

In Mrs. Timson "rage . . . fluttered wildly, like a bluebottle fly."

From Time Magazine Archive

It is Bonaparte, who has transformed himself into a bluebottle fly, as Jove once transformed himself into an ox; and he came hither to annoy me and din my ears until I am quite sick.

From Andreas Hofer by L. (Luise) Mühlbach

Her head throbbed dangerously. what matter to her that the king bird pitched jovially from the maples to catch a wandering bluebottle fly, that the robin was feeding its young, that the bobolink was singing?

From Main-Travelled Roads by Hamlin Garland