Definitions

1. noun

A beetle, especially one of the family Carabidae or the blistering beetle (Lytta vesicatoria).

“The ancient Greeks used cantharides to create a caustic paste to treat certain medical conditions.”

2. noun

A powder or ointment made from the dried and powdered bodies of these beetles, used as a blistering agent or as a remedy for certain conditions, especially in traditional medicine.

“Cantharides was once used as an abortifacient, but it is no longer used in modern medicine due to its toxicity.”