gadfly
Definition from Wiktionary, a free dictionary
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[edit] English
[edit] Etymology
"fly which bites cattle", from Old Norse gaddr (“‘spike’”).
[edit] Noun
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Singular |
Plural |
gadfly (plural gadflies)
- Any dipterous insect of the genus Oestrus, and allied group of botflies.
- A horsefly: any of various species of fly, of the family Tabanid[ae], noted for buzzing about animals and sucking their blood.
- One who upsets the status quo by posing upsetting or novel questions, or attempt to stimulate innovation by proving an irritant.
- (slang) A bloodsucker
- He's a regular gadfly and takes advantage of his friend's generosity.
[edit] Translations
an insect
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a fly
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a horsefly
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one who upsets the status quo
(slang) a bloodsucker
