mosquito

¹

[ muh-skee-toh ]

noun

, plural mos·qui·toes, mos·qui·tos.

1. any of numerous dipterous insects of the family Culicidae, the females of which suck the blood of animals and humans, some species transmitting certain diseases, as malaria and yellow fever.
2. Mosquito, Military. a twin-engined, two-seat British fighter and bomber of World War II, made largely of plywood and having a top speed of 380 miles per hour (610 km/h).

Mosquito

²

[ muh-skee-toh ]

noun

, plural Mos·qui·tos, (especially collectively) Mos·qui·to.

1. Miskito.

mosquito

/ məˈskiːtəʊ /

noun

1. any dipterous insect of the family Culicidae: the females have a long proboscis adapted for piercing the skin of man and animals to suck their blood See also aedes anopheles culex

Other Words From

• mos·quito·ey adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mosquito¹

First recorded in 1575–85; from Spanish, equivalent to mosc(a) “fly” (from Latin musca ) + -ito diminutive suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of mosquito¹

C16: from Spanish, diminutive of mosca fly, from Latin musca

Example Sentences

Researchers say it is 75% effective but health experts recommend using it alongside other malaria prevention tools, such as mosquito nets and insecticides.

From BBC

As with many other Hawaiian bird species, the main threat to the 'Akikiki comes in the form of introduced species, principally malaria-carrying mosquitoes and habitat-wrecking livestock, according to Hawaii's Division of Forestry and Wildlife.

From Science Daily

"It lays the foundation for potential genetic pest control methods that have been applied to other arthropods including the primary screwworm and several mosquito species," Teel said.

From Science Daily

The researchers are now developing a similar e-Drive system in mosquitoes to help prevent the spread of malaria.

From Science Daily

Crystals are the building blocks that make up many over-the-counter and prescription drugs, insecticides to fight mosquitoes, explosives such as TNT, semiconductors, and light-emitting technologies used in television screens and cell phones.

From Science Daily

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