mosquito

mos-qui-to · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A small flying insect of the family Culicidae, the female of which bites humans and animals and sucks their blood, often transmitting diseases such as malaria and dengue fever.

Forms

plural: mosquitoes

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    mosquito net — A fine mesh net hung over a bed to keep mosquitoes away
  • •
    mosquito repellent — A substance applied to skin or clothing to deter mosquitoes
  • •
    mosquito bite — A raised, itchy bump caused by a mosquito feeding

Related words

See also: bite, insect, malaria
Synonyms: gnat, mozzie

Etymology

From Spanish mosquito, diminutive of mosca ("fly"), from Latin musca ("fly"). Literally means "little fly."