butterfly
Pronunciation:
/ˈbʌtə(ɹ)flaɪ/[ˈbʌɾɚflaɪ][ˈbʌtəflaɪ][ˈbʌɾɚflaɪ]noun
Definitions
A flying insect of the order Lepidoptera, distinguished from moths by their diurnal activity and generally brighter colouring.
A use of surgical tape, cut into thin strips and placed across an open wound to hold it closed.
Example: butterfly tape
The butterfly stroke.
(in plural) A sensation of excited anxiety felt in the stomach.
Example: I get terrible butterflies before an exam.
verb
Definitions
To cut (food) almost entirely in half and spread the halves apart, in a shape suggesting the wings of a butterfly.
Example: Butterfly the chicken before you grill it.
To cut strips of surgical tape or plasters into thin strips, and place across (a gaping wound) to close it.