cantharis noun. [kan'Ɵarɪs] Pl. -rides [-rɪdi:z]. LME.
[Latin from Greek kantharis.]
1. The Spanish fly, Lytta vesicatoria. Now rare or obsolete. LME.

2. In pl. A preparation of the dried beetles, having toxic and vesicant properties, and sometimes taken as an aphrodisiac. LME.

■ cantha'ridean adjective of the nature of or containing cantharides L18.

■ cantharidin noun a lactone, C₁₀H₁₂O₄, obtained from the elytra of the insect, which is the active principle of cantharides: E19.

■ cantharidize verb trans. (now rare) affect or treat with cantharides L18.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲