medfly

American  

[med-flahy] / ˈmɛdˌflaɪ /

Or Medfly

noun

plural

medflies

1. Mediterranean fruit fly.

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medfly British  

/ ˈmɛdˌflaɪ /

noun

1. another name for Mediterranean fruit fly

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Etymology

Origin of medfly

First recorded in 1930–35; by shortening

Example Sentences

The drops will repeat every three to four days for two medfly life cycles, which typically last four to six months, dependent on the weather, according to officials.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 3, 2023

Compare this example to the case of the citrus-eating medfly, a pest that scientists also tried to control by releasing sterile males in the early 2000s.

From Slate • Nov. 14, 2011

These simple measures had a big impact on the programs, which have successfully controlled medfly outbreaks in North and South America.

From Slate • Nov. 14, 2011

The creation of sterile males is a strategy that has long been used to control insect pests, such as the Mediterranean fruitfly, or medfly, in countries including the United States.

From Scientific American • Aug. 8, 2011

Nothing quite so theatrical has been attempted during the latest medfly visitation, which began five months ago.

From Time Magazine Archive