Definition

A small fly found in warm areas that bites and can spread diseases by sucking blood from animals and humans.

Example

The sandfly is known for its painful bites and its role in spreading leishmaniasis.

Conversation

I was outside yesterday and got bitten by a sandfly.

Ouch! Those things can be really annoying.

Yeah, I didn't even see it coming until it was too late.

Make sure to use some insect repellent next time!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'sandfly' is formed from 'sand' (from Old English 'sand', meaning loose granular material) and 'fly' (from Old English 'flēoge', meaning a flying insect). The term 'sandfly' refers to a type of small flying insect that is commonly found in sandy areas.

Memory Tip

Think of 'sand' as the loose material found on beaches and 'fly' as the insect that moves through the air. This helps you remember that a sandfly is a small insect often found in sandy environments.

Visually Confused Words