any small dipterous fly of the genus Drosophila, esp D. melanogaster, a species widely used in laboratory genetics studies: family Drosophilidae. They feed on plant sap, decaying fruit, etc
Also called: fruit fly, vinegar fly
Word origin
C19: New Latin, from Greek drosos dew, water + -phila; see -phile
any of a genus (Drosophila, family Drosophilidae) of tiny fruit flies used in laboratory experiments in heredity because of their short life cycle, giant chromosomes, and great reproductive capacity
Word origin
ModL < Gr drosos, dew + phila, fem. of philos, loving