tsetse fly

American  

[tset-see, tet-, tsee-tsee, tee-] / ˈtsɛt si, ˈtɛt-, ˈtsi tsi, ˈti- /

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.

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tsetse fly British  

/ ˈtsɛtsɪ /

noun

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

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tsetse fly Scientific  

/ tsĕt′sē /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of tsetse fly

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

Example Sentences

The rare disease is caused by the parasite Trypanosoma brucei gambiense, which is transmitted by the tsetse fly.

From Science Magazine • Dec. 7, 2022

In New York, Dora was diagnosed with Chagas, which is cousin to the sleeping sickness caused by the African tsetse fly.

From Salon • Jul. 19, 2021

It will transform prospects for those infected by the bite of the tsetse fly and could help eradicate the disease by the WHO target date of 2020.

From The Guardian • Dec. 22, 2018

His father was an entomologist who explored the bush trails along the east coast of southern Africa studying the tsetse fly, with his young family in tow.

From New York Times • Aug. 1, 2016

Experiments have been undertaken by the British in the hope that the method could be used against the tsetse fly in Rhodesia.

From "Silent Spring" by Rachel Carson