01 n. A general name for the numerous species of diurnal Lepidoptera.
pl.
Butterflies
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1.
A general name for the numerous species of diurnal Lepidoptera.(Zool.)
Phrases & compounds
Asclepias butterfly —
See under Asclepias.
Butterfly fish —
the ocellated blenny (Blennius ocellaris) of Europe. See Blenny. The term is also applied to the flying gurnard.
Butterfly shell —
a shell of the genus Voluta.
Butterfly valve —
a kind of double clack valve, consisting of two semicircular clappers or wings hinged to a cross rib in the pump bucket. When open it somewhat resembles a butterfly in shape.