cantharides

[ kan-thar-i-deez ]

plural noun

, singular can·thar·is [kan-, thar, -is].

1. Spanish fly ( def 1 ).
2. cantharis. Spanish fly ( def 2 ).

cantharides

/ kænˈθærɪˌdiːz /

plural noun

1. a diuretic and urogenital stimulant or irritant prepared from the dried bodies of Spanish fly (family Meloidae, not Cantharidae ), once thought to be an aphrodisiac Also calledSpanish fly

Word History and Origins

Origin of cantharides¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin, plural of cantharis < Greek kantharís blister fly

Word History and Origins

Origin of cantharides¹

C15: from Latin, plural of cantharis, from Greek kantharis Spanish fly

Example Sentences

Melt the petrolatum and add the tincture of cantharides, and while cooling add the other ingredients.

From Project Gutenberg

He also desired me to take fifty drops of tincture of cantharides three or four times a day.

From Project Gutenberg

The Digitalis, squills, and cantharides were given in very considerable doses without effect.

From Project Gutenberg

We come now to the tribe of blistering beetles, of which the best known is the Cantharides (Cantharis or Lytta).

From Project Gutenberg

The presence of the Cantharides is manifested by the strong penetrating odour which they diffuse to some distance.

From Project Gutenberg