muscae volitantes

plural noun

mus·​cae vo·​li·​tan·​tes ˈmə-ˌskē-ˌvä-lə-ˈtan-ˌtēz How to pronounce muscae volitantes (audio)
ˈmə-ˌsē-
: floater sense 6

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, flying flies

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of muscae volitantes was in 1753

Dictionary Entries Near muscae volitantes

Muscadinia

muscae volitantes

muscardine

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Cite this Entry

“Muscae volitantes.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/muscae%20volitantes. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

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Medical Definition

muscae volitantes

noun plural
mus·​cae vo·​li·​tan·​tes ˈməs-ˌ(k)ē-ˌväl-ə-ˈtan-ˌtēz How to pronounce muscae volitantes (audio)
: spots before the eyes due to cells and cell fragments in the vitreous body and lens compare floater
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