butterflies

noun

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

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

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