assassin bug


noun

any of numerous bugs of the family Reduviidae, feeding chiefly on other insects but including some forms that are bloodsucking parasites of mammals.
Also called reduviid.

Origin of assassin bug

First recorded in 1890–95

British Dictionary definitions for assassin bug

assassin bug

noun

any long-legged predatory, often blood-sucking, insect of the heteropterous family Reduviidae

Medical definitions for assassin bug

assassin bug
[ ə-săsĭn ]

n.

A predatory bug of the family Reduviidae having powerful piercing mouthparts that inflict irritating, painful bites on humans.