gallinipper

[ gal-uh-nip-er ]

noun

, Informal.

1. any of various insects that sting or bite, especially a large American mosquito, Psorophora ciliata.

Word History and Origins

Origin of gallinipper¹

First recorded in 1675–85; of obscure origin; final element apparently assimilated to nipper

Example Sentences

This giant mosquito species, affectionately known as ’gallinipper,′ infamously delivers a memorable bite that aphoristically “nips a gallon of your blood.”

From Salon

Fortunately, the gallinipper rarely carries dangerous pathogens.

From Salon

The gallinipper mosquito is an inch long and can leave a bruise.

From Washington Post

The mussels can be cancerous, as evidenced by what happened to the Gallinipper, a fur trading ship that went down in 1851 and remained in pristine condition on the lake floor for more than a century.

From Los Angeles Times

UF/IFAS Photo by Marisol Amador Entomologist Phil Kaufman shows the size difference between an invasive Asian tiger mosquito, right, and the native species Psorophora ciliata, sometimes called the gallinipper.

From Time