butterfly
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: butterflies · butterflying · butterflied
Sense 1
A flying insect of the order Lepidoptera, distinguished from moths by their diurnal activity and generally brighter colouring.
Noun
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
A use of surgical tape, cut into thin strips and placed across an open wound to hold it closed.
Noun
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 3
To cut (food) almost entirely in half and spread the halves apart, in a shape suggesting the wings of a butterfly.
Verb
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 4
To cut strips of surgical tape or plasters into thin strips, and place across (a gaping wound) to close it.
Verb
Examples
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “butterfly” mean?
A flying insect of the order Lepidoptera, distinguished from moths by their diurnal activity and generally brighter colouring.
Is “butterfly” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.