| Definitions | | butterfly |
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noun (butterflies)
- (insect) A flying insect of the order Lepidoptera, distinguished from moths by their diurnal activity and generally brighter colouring.
- A swimming stroke in which the body is prone, the arms are moved in simultaneous circles, and the feet are kicked up and down.
- A use of surgical tape, cut into thin strips and placed across an open wound to hold it closed.
- tape
verb (butterfl, i, ed)
- To cut almost entirely in half and spread the halves apart, in a shape suggesting the wings of a butterfly.
- butterflied shrimp
- To cut strips of surgical tape or plasters into thin strips, and place across a gaping wound to close it.
Etymology: Old English buttorfleoge, corresponding to butter + fly, perhaps with reference to the colour of certain species including the brimstone butterfly, Gonepteryx rhamni. Compare German Schmetterling.
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Full Definition of butterfly
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