/but"euhr fluy'fish'/ , n. , pl. ( esp. collectively ) butterflyfishes , ( esp. referring to two or more kinds or species ) butterflyfish .
1. any tropical marine fish of the family Chaetodontidae, having large, broad fins or brilliant coloration, or both.
2. See flying gurnard .
3. a blenny, Blennius ocellaris, of Europe.
[ 1730-40; BUTTERFLY + FISH ]