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Uncommon

butterfly

The correct spelling is butterfly.

How to pronounce butterfly

/ˈbʌtə(ɹ)flaɪ/
noun

IPA: /ˈbʌtə(ɹ)flaɪ/

Say it like: But-ter-flee

The correct spelling is butterfly. A flying insect of the order Lepidoptera, distinguished from moths by their diurnal activity and generally brighter colouring. For example: "butterfly tape"

Usage Examples

butterfly tape

I get terrible butterflies before an exam.

Butterfly the chicken before you grill it.

Meanings

noun

  1. 1.A flying insect of the order Lepidoptera, distinguished from moths by their diurnal activity and generally brighter colouring.
  2. 2.A use of surgical tape, cut into thin strips and placed across an open wound to hold it closed.
  3. 3.The butterfly stroke.
  4. 4.(in plural) A sensation of excited anxiety felt in the stomach.
  5. 5.Someone seen as being unserious and (originally) dressed gaudily; someone flighty and unreliable.

verb

  1. 1.To cut (food) almost entirely in half and spread the halves apart, in a shape suggesting the wings of a butterfly.
  2. 2.To cut strips of surgical tape or plasters into thin strips, and place across (a gaping wound) to close it.

Similar words

Words related in meaning — check their spelling too.

View synonyms & usage examples