dob·son·fly (d b s n-fl  )n. An insect (Corydalus cornutus) having four large, many-veined wings and in the male long, pincerlike mandibles. |
dobsonfly [ˈdɒbsənˌflaɪ]
n pl -flies
(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) US and Canadian 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
[origin uncertain, perhaps after the surname Dobson]
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | dobsonfly - large soft-bodied insect having long slender mandibles in the male; aquatic larvae often used as bait neuropteran, neuropteron, neuropterous insect - insect having biting mouthparts and four large membranous wings with netlike veins |
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