Mosquito \Mos*qui"to\ (m[o^]s*k[=e]*t[-o]), n.; pl. Mosquitoes
(m[o^]s*k[=e]*t[=o]z). [Sp. mosquito, fr. moscafly, L. musca.
Cf. Musket.] (Zool.)
Any one of various species of gnats of the genus Culex and
allied genera. The females have a proboscis containing,
within the sheathlike labium, six fine, sharp, needlelike
organs with which they puncture the skin of man and animals
to suck the blood. These bites, when numerous, cause, in many
persons, considerable irritation and swelling, with some
pain. The larvae and pupae, called wigglers, are aquatic.
[Written also musquito.]
[1913 Webster]
Mosquito bar, Mosquito net, a net or curtain for
excluding mosquitoes, -- used for beds and windows.
Mosquito fleet, a fleet of small vessels.
Mosquito hawk (Zool.), a dragon fly; -- so called because
it captures and feeds upon mosquitoes.
Mosquito netting, a loosely-woven gauzelike fabric for
making mosquito bars.
[1913 Webster]
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