blow fly: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical, Scientific, Informal
Quick answer
What does “blow fly” mean?
Any of various flies, typically metallic blue or green, that lay their eggs on decaying organic matter or in open wounds of living animals.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Any of various flies, typically metallic blue or green, that lay their eggs on decaying organic matter or in open wounds of living animals.
A common name for flies in the family Calliphoridae, whose larvae (maggots) are important in forensic entomology, medicine (for maggot therapy), and as decomposers. The term can also be used pejoratively for a person who is attracted to scandal or unpleasant situations.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, 'blowfly' is often written as one word or hyphenated ('blow-fly'). In US English, 'blow fly' (two words) is also common, but the one-word form is standard in scientific contexts. The plural is typically 'blowflies' in both regions.
Connotations
Primarily neutral/scientific, with strong negative connotations in everyday speech due to association with decay, death, and filth.
Frequency
More frequent in technical/forensic contexts. Rare in casual conversation outside of specific references.
Grammar
How to Use “blow fly” in a Sentence
The [noun] attracted blowflies.Blowflies [verb] on the [noun].[Noun] was infested with blowflies.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “blow fly” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The blowfly lifecycle is well-documented.
- A blowfly infestation.
American English
- Blowfly activity indicates decay.
- The blowfly population surged.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not applicable.
Academic
Used in biology, entomology, forensic science, and veterinary medicine texts.
Everyday
Used to describe a bothersome fly near rubbish or decaying matter.
Technical
Precise identification is crucial in forensic entomology for estimating time of death.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “blow fly”
- Confusing 'blowfly' with 'housefly' or 'fruit fly'. Using 'blow fly' as a verb (e.g., 'The wind will blow fly'). Misspelling as 'blowfly' (correct) vs. 'blow fly' (also acceptable).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, in common UK English, 'bluebottle' typically refers to a specific type of blowfly (genus Calliphora) with a metallic blue abdomen.
Adult blowflies are not directly dangerous but can mechanically transmit bacteria from decaying matter. Their larvae (maggots) can cause myiasis (infestation) in living animals, including livestock and sometimes humans.
Blowflies are usually the first insects to lay eggs on a dead body. By identifying the species and stage of development of the larvae, forensic entomologists can estimate the minimum Post-Mortem Interval (time since death).
Yes, but it is a strong pejorative. It describes someone who is unpleasantly attracted to scandal, misfortune, or sensational situations, much like the insect is attracted to decay.
Any of various flies, typically metallic blue or green, that lay their eggs on decaying organic matter or in open wounds of living animals.
Blow fly is usually technical, scientific, informal in register.
Blow fly: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbləʊ ˌflaɪ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbloʊ ˌflaɪ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “(rare) Like a blowfly to a corpse (intensely attracted to something unpleasant).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a fly BLOWing tiny eggs onto old meat. BLOW + FLY = blowfly.
Conceptual Metaphor
DECAY/DEATH IS ATTRACTIVE (to blowflies). A PERSON ATTRACTED TO SCANDAL IS A BLOWFLY.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the study of blowflies particularly crucial?