■ noun ( plural butterflies )
1》 any of a large group of nectar-feeding lepidopterous insects with two pairs of large, typically colourful wings, distinguished from moths by having clubbed or dilated antennae, holding their wings erect when at rest, and being active by day.
2》 [as modifier ] having a two-lobed shape resembling the spread wings of a ~: a ~ clip.
3》 a showy or frivolous person: a social ~.
4》 ( butterflies ) informal a fluttering and nauseous sensation felt in the stomach when one is nervous.
5》 a stroke in swimming in which both arms are raised out of the water and lifted forwards together.
■ verb ( butterflies , ~ing , butterflied ) split (a piece of meat) almost in two and spread it out flat.
Origin
OE: perh. from the cream or yellow colour of common species, or from a former belief that the insects stole butter.