can·tha·ris (k n th r- s)n. pl. can·thar·i·des (k n-thr-d z ) In both senses also called Spanish fly.1. A brilliant green blister beetle (Lytta vesicatoria or Cantharis vesicatoria) of central and southern Europe. 2. cantharides (used with a sing. or pl. verb) A toxic preparation of the crushed, dried bodies of this beetle, formerly used as a counter-irritant for skin blisters and as an aphrodisiac. [Latin cantharis, cantharid-, from Greek kantharis, from kantharos.] |
How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content.
| ?Page tools | ||
|---|---|---|
|