Butterfly

But·ter·fly

Butterfly

n.

pl. Butterflies

  1. A general name for the numerous species of diurnal Lepidoptera. (Zool.)

Phrases & Compounds

Asclepias butterfly
See under Asclepias.
Butterfly fish
the ocellated blenny (Blennius ocellaris) of Europe. See Blenny. The term is also applied to the flying gurnard.
Butterfly shell
a shell of the genus Voluta.
Butterfly valve
a kind of double clack valve, consisting of two semicircular clappers or wings hinged to a cross rib in the pump bucket. When open it somewhat resembles a butterfly in shape.