fishfly

[ fish-flahy ]

noun

, plural fish·flies.

1. a neuropterous insect of the family Corydalidae that is similar to but smaller than a dobsonfly.

Word History and Origins

Origin of fishfly¹

First recorded in 1865–70; fish + fly ¹

Example Sentences

"I dunno," the storekeeper went on reflectively, staring at a huge fishfly booming against one of the dusty window panes.

From Project Gutenberg

Cap'n Abe—and the fishfly—boomed on together, the storekeeper evidently visualizing the scene he narrated and not the half-lighted and goods-crowded shop.

From Project Gutenberg

In the silence punctuating the desultory conversation, the sharp swish, swish of the sand upon the panes almost drowned the complaint of the fishfly.

From Project Gutenberg

A huge fishfly droned on the window pane.

From Project Gutenberg

"Them orang-outangs don't sound like no bell—not when they holler," put in Cap'n Abe, leaning on his counter and staring at the tireless fishfly again.

From Project Gutenberg