tsetse fly

[ tset-see, tet-, tsee-tsee, tee- ]

noun

1. any of several bloodsucking African flies of the genus Glossina, that act as a vector of sleeping sickness and other trypanosome infections of humans and domestic animals.

tsetse fly

/ ˈtsɛtsɪ /

noun

1. any of various bloodsucking African dipterous flies of the genus Glossina , which transmit the pathogens of various diseases: family Muscidae

tsetse fly

/ tsĕt′sē /

1. Any of several bloodsucking African flies of the genus Glossina, two species of which ( G. palpalis and G. morsitans ) often carry and transmit trypanosomes, the protozoans that cause sleeping sickness.

Word History and Origins

Origin of tsetse fly¹

First recorded in 1845–50; from Afrikaans, from Tswana tsêtsê + fly ¹( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of tsetse fly¹

C19: via Afrikaans from Tswana

Example Sentences

In many little bottles were specimens of the deadly tsetse fly that causes all the infection.

From Project Gutenberg

There are certain wide belts of land in Africa called the "tsetse fly belts," where horses, mules and cattle can not live.

From Project Gutenberg

But now the Boer can go north no more; two things stop him: the tsetse fly and the fever.

From Project Gutenberg

Fever and the Tsetse fly had been too much for the expedition.

From Project Gutenberg

Two other difficulties likely to meet travelers in this part of the country are scarcity of water and the tsetse fly.

From Project Gutenberg