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dobsonfly

[ dob-suhn-flahy ]

noun

, plural dob·son·flies.
  1. a large, soft-bodied insect, Corydalus cornutus, having four distinctly veined membranous wings, biting mouthparts, and, in the male, huge mandibles that jut out from the head.


dobsonfly

/ ˈdɒbsənˌflaɪ /

noun

  1. a large North American neuropterous insect, Corydalis cornutus: the male has elongated horn-like mouthparts and the larva (a hellgrammite or dobson) is used as bait by anglers: suborder Megaloptera See also hellgrammite
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of dobsonfly1

1900–05; after surname Dobson; fly 1
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Word History and Origins

Origin of dobsonfly1

C20: origin uncertain, perhaps after the surname Dobson

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dobsonDobsonian telescope