Well attestedNamed from the place
Spanish fly
noun · first attested 17th century
Not a fly, not especially Spanish, and far more dangerous than romantic.
A preparation made from the dried blister beetle Lytta vesicatoria, long sold as an aphrodisiac.
Record
- Relationship
- Named from the place
- Confidence
- Well attestedThe place link is the standard scholarly account.
- Attested
- 17th century
- Part of speech
- noun
Explanations here are written for this atlas. Dictionary text is not copied; the sources are linked so the claim can be checked.
- Step 1
Spain
- In English
Spanish fly
The emerald green beetle lives across southern and central Europe, and its irritant cantharidin was gathered wherever it swarmed rather than in Spain alone. It works by inflaming the urinary tract, and the dose that excites sits uncomfortably close to the dose that kills.
Also pinned to Spain
3 more from the same place
Spain
All 20 entries 16 more words from Spain
mayonnaiseOne story ties the sauce to Mahón. Many etymologists are not convinced.MahónsherryThe wine is an English attempt at saying Jerez.Jerez de la FronteracanaryThe bird is named for the islands. The islands are named for dogs.Canary IslandsmajolicaThe Italian pottery is named for a Spanish island.MallorcazarzuelaThe Spanish operetta is named for a royal hunting lodge.Palacio de la ZarzuelabilboThe Elizabethan sword is named for a Basque port.BilbaoCastile soapThe olive oil soap is named for a Spanish kingdom.CastileSeville orangeThe marmalade orange is named for an Andalusian city.Seville