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drosophila definition

dro·sophi·la (drō säf′i lə)

noun pl. drosophilae -·lae′ (-lē′)

any of a genus (Drosophila, family Drosophilidae) of tiny fruit flies used in laboratory experiments in heredity because of their short life cycle, giant chromosomes, and great reproductive capacity

Etymology: ModL < Gr drosos, dew + phila, fem. of philos, loving

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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