Meaning of Spanish fly | Babel Free

Definitions

1. A supposed aphrodisiac extracted from the beetle Lytta vesicatoria; cantharidin, the active ingredient, a vesicant used as a defence by L. vesicatoria and other blister beetles.
   uncountable, usually
2. The beetle Lytta vesicatoria.
   countable, usually

Equivalents

Examples

“2010, Carol Turkington, Deborah R. Mitchell, cantharidin, entry in Encyclopaedia of Poisons and Antidotes, 3rd Edition, page 49, Ingestion of Spanish fly causes burning in the throat and sloughing of the upper gastrointestinal tract.”

“The best-known aphrodisiac is Spanish fly, which is made from the wings of the blister beetle. Spanish fly creates a condition known as priapism in men. This is long-standing erection, which sounds good in theory. Unfortunately, Spanish fly removes all sensitivity from the organ, rendering it ineffective. In women the results are more severe. These include depression, vomiting, inflammation of the kidneys, and even death.”

“The Spanish''' fly abounds in the south of France, Spain, and Italy, and is found on the ash, lilac, privet, elder, honeysuckle, plum, willow, and elm trees.[…]The American fly is rather smaller than the Spanish fly, and of a much darker color.”

“Spanish flies applied to the skin produce blisters (vesication, with inflammation and even sloughing).”

CEFR level