First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
cantharis
noun can·tha·ris \ˈkan(t)-thə-rəs\
plural can·thar·i·des \kan-ˈthar-ə-ˌdēz\
Definition of CANTHARIS
1
: spanish fly 1
2
plural but sing or plural in constr : a preparation of dried beetles (as Spanish flies) used in medicine as a counterirritant and formerly as an aphrodisiac
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Origin of CANTHARIS
Middle English & Latin; Middle English cantharide, from Latin cantharid-, cantharis, from Greek kantharid-, kantharis
Medical Dictionary
cantharis
noun can·tha·ris \ˈkan(t)-thə-rəs\
plural can·thar·i·des \kan-ˈthar-ə-ˌdēz\
Medical Definition of CANTHARIS
1
: spanish fly 1
2
cantharides plural but singular or plural in construction : a preparation of dried beetles and especially Spanish flies that contains cantharidin and is used in medicine as a blister-producing agent and formerly as an aphrodisiac—called also Spanish fly
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