Definition of butterfly
(Entry 1 of 2)
1
: any of numerous slender-bodied diurnal lepidopteran insects including one superfamily (Papilionoidea) with broad often brightly colored wings and usually another superfamily comprising the skippers
2
: something that resembles or suggests a butterfly
especially
: a person chiefly occupied with the pursuit of pleasure
3
: a swimming stroke executed in a prone position by moving both arms in a circular motion while kicking both legs up and down
4
butterflies plural
: a feeling of hollowness or queasiness caused especially by emotional or nervous tension or anxious anticipation
5
: a defensive move by a goalie in ice hockey executed by dropping to the knees while spreading the lower legs outward
butterfly
verb
butterflied; butterflying
Definition of butterfly (Entry 2 of 2)
: to split almost entirely and spread apart
a butterflied steak butterflied shrimp
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for butterfly
The first known use of butterfly was before the 12th century
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