Mosquito Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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mosquito
[məˈskiːtoʊ ]
Definition
insect life
A mosquito is a small flying insect that belongs to the family Culicidae. These insects are known for their elongated bodies, long legs, and specialized mouthparts called proboscis, which they use to pierce the skin of animals and humans to feed on blood. Mosquitoes are often found in warm and humid environments and are most active during dawn and dusk. They are notorious for being carriers of various diseases such as malaria, dengue fever, and Zika virus, making them a significant public health concern in many parts of the world.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The mosquito buzzed around my ear all night.
- We need to use repellents to avoid mosquito bites.
- Mosquito larvae can be found in stagnant water.
- The park is filled with mosquitoes in the summer.
Translations
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Origin of 'mosquito'
The word 'mosquito' comes from the Spanish word 'mosquito', which means 'little fly'. This term is derived from 'mosca', which refers to a fly in general. The etymology can be traced back to Latin 'musca', retaining the same meaning. The first recorded use of the word in English dates back to the early 16th century. The mosquito's association with blood feeding and disease transmission has been noted since ancient times, leading to its notoriety in various cultures. Over the centuries, as the understanding of the mosquito's role in spreading diseases evolved, so did the concerns associated with these insects, leading to significant public health efforts aimed at controlling mosquito populations.