Spanish fly

noun

1. Also called cantharides. a preparation of powdered blister beetles, especially the Spanish fly, used medicinally as a counterirritant, diuretic, and aphrodisiac.
2. Also Spanish·fly. Also called cantharis. a common European blister beetle, Cantharis ( Lytta ) vesicatoria, that yields this preparation.

Spanish fly

noun

1. a European blister beetle, Lytta vesicatoria (family Meloidae ), the dried bodies of which yield the pharmaceutical product cantharides
2. another name for cantharides

Word History and Origins

Origin of Spanish fly¹

First recorded in 1400–50; so called from the fact that the beetles are found in abundance in Spain

Example Sentences

In cases where the growth of horn seems too slow a Spanish-fly blister applied to the heels is often followed by good results.

From Project Gutenberg

In India also a species of Meloe is used,194 possessing all the properties of the Spanish-fly.

From Project Gutenberg