tsetse fly

[tset-see, tet-, tsee-tsee, tee-]

noun

1. any of several bloodsucking African flies of the genus Glossina, that act as a vector of sleeping sickness and other trypanosome infections of humans and domestic animals.

tsetse fly

/ ˈtsɛtsɪ /

noun

1. any of various bloodsucking African dipterous flies of the genus Glossina , which transmit the pathogens of various diseases: family Muscidae

tsetse fly

1. Any of several bloodsucking African flies of the genus Glossina, two species of which (G. palpalis and G. morsitans) often carry and transmit trypanosomes, the protozoans that cause sleeping sickness.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tsetse fly¹

First recorded in 1845–50; from Afrikaans, from Tswana tsêtsê + fly ¹ ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of tsetse fly¹

C19: via Afrikaans from Tswana