fritillary

noun frit·il·lary \ ˈfri-tə-ˌler-ē \

Definition of fritillary

plural fritillaries

1 : fritillaria

2 : any of numerous nymphalid butterflies (Argynnis, Speyeria, and related genera) that usually are orange with black spots on the upper side of both wings and silver spotted on the underside of the hind wing

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Recent Examples of fritillary from the Web

Two endangered lilies — Green’s mariposa and Gentner’s fritillary — bloom purple and red each spring.

— stephen nash, New York Times, "At Three National Monuments, Quiet Trails and Questions About the Future," 6 Dec. 2017
In the Gulf fritillary, some silver spots disappear, and in the monarch, white scales emerge amid the usual tiger colors.

— ed yong, The Atlantic, "Scientists Can Now Repaint Butterfly Wings," 18 Sep. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'fritillary.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.