mosquito
UK: mɒˈskiːtəʊ | US: məˈskiːtoʊ
n. a small flying insect that bites humans and animals, often transmitting diseases such as malaria or dengue fever.
mosquito = mosquit<fly> + o<noun suffix>
- mosquit (from Spanish "mosca" <fly> + diminutive suffix "-ito")
- o (a common noun-ending suffix in Spanish, retained in English borrowing)
Etymology Origin:
The word "mosquito" entered English in the late 16th century from Spanish, where it originally meant "little fly" (from "mosca" <fly> + "-ito" <diminutive>). The Spanish term likely evolved from Latin "musca" (fly), reflecting the insect’s small size and buzzing flight. English adopted it specifically for the blood-sucking insect, emphasizing its nuisance and disease-carrying traits.
The mosquito buzzed near my ear all night.
Malaria is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito.
She applied repellent to avoid mosquito bites.
Mosquito populations thrive in warm, humid climates.
Scientists are researching ways to reduce mosquito-borne diseases.