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

In rare cases either albumen or sugar has been detected; the former may have been due to the action of blisters of cantharides used in the treatment of the disease.

From Project Gutenberg

As early as 1826, Bretonneau, by the introduction of tincture of cantharides and olive oil into the trachea, succeeded in producing a "dense, elastic, reed-like membranous concretion."

From Project Gutenberg

Cantharides has been recommended, and it is stated that when strangury is produced the whoop will cease; we should consider this rather severe treatment.

From Project Gutenberg

Jackson long before had mentioned, as one of the eruptions belonging to this disease, "large bull�, as if produced by cantharides."

From Project Gutenberg

It should, however, be mentioned that, according to Macnamara, if the patient does not pass any urine within thirty-six hours of reaction coming on, ten minims of the tincture of cantharides in an ounce of water should be given every half hour until six doses have been taken, and the patient encouraged to drink freely of water.

From Project Gutenberg