gallfly

noun

gall·​fly ˈgȯl-ˌflī How to pronounce gallfly (audio)
: an insect (such as a gall wasp) that deposits its eggs in plants causing the formation of galls in which the larvae feed

Word History

Etymology

gall entry 3 + fly entry 4

First Known Use

circa 1834, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of gallfly was circa 1834

Dictionary Entries Near gallfly

gallflower

gallfly

gall gnat

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Gallfly.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/gallfly. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

gallfly

noun
gall·​fly ˈgȯl-ˌflī How to pronounce gallfly (audio)
: an insect that deposits its eggs in plants and causes galls in which the larvae feed
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