— butterflylike , adj. , adv.
/but"euhr fluy'/ , n. , pl. butterflies , v. , butterflied, butterflying , adj.
n.
1. any of numerous diurnal insects of the order Lepidoptera, characterized by clubbed antennae, a slender body, and large, broad, often conspicuously marked wings.
2. a person who flits aimlessly from one interest or group to another: a social butterfly.
3. butterflies , ( used with a pl. v. ) Informal. a queasy feeling, as from nervousness, excitement, etc.
4. a racing breaststroke, using a dolphin kick, in which the swimmer brings both arms out of the water in forward, circular motions.
5. Carpentry. See butterfly wedge .
6. Sculpture. an X-shaped support attached to an armature.
7. one of the swinging brackets of a butterfly table.
8. Motion Pictures. a screen of scrim, gauze, or similar material, for diffusing light.
v.t.
9. Cookery. to slit open and spread apart to resemble the spread wings of a butterfly.
adj. Also, butterflied .
10. Cookery. split open and spread apart to resemble a butterfly: butterfly shrimp; butterfly steak.
[ bef. 1000; ME boterflye, OE buttorfleoge. See BUTTER, FLY 2 ]