Inflected forms: pl. flies 1a. Any of numerous two-winged insects of the order Diptera, especially any of the family Muscidae, which includes the housefly. b. Any of various other flying insects, such as the caddis fly. 2. A fishing lure simulating a fly, made by attaching materials such as feathers, tinsel, and colored thread to a fishhook.
IDIOM:
fly in the ointment A detrimental circumstance or detail; a drawback.
ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English flie, from Old English floge. See pleu- in Appendix I.
fl
oge. See pleu- in Appendix I.
