butterfly

but-ter-fly · noun, verb

imported

Definitions

noun, verb

  1. 1.

    A flying insect with two pairs of large wings that are covered with microscopic scales, typically brightly colored.

  2. 2.

    To cut (food) almost in two and spread it flat.

  3. 3.

    A swimming stroke in which both arms are raised and brought down together while the legs kick simultaneously.

  4. 4.

    [informal](Usually plural) A nervous feeling in the stomach.

  5. 5.

    A person who is not faithful to one partner; someone who flits from one thing to another.

Forms

plural: butterflies

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    butterflies in one's stomach — Nervous feeling.
  • •
    social butterfly — A sociable person who flits between groups.
  • •
    butterfly effect — The idea that small changes can have large consequences.
  • •
    float like a butterfly — Move gracefully and lightly.

Related words

See also: butterflies, caterpillar, cocoon, moth
Synonyms: lepidopteran

Etymology

From Old English buttorfleoge, from buttor ("butter") + fleoge ("fly"). The exact reason for the name is uncertain; theories include the butter-yellow color of common species or folk beliefs about butterflies stealing milk and butter.