butterfly

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.

“butterfly tape”

The butterfly stroke.

(in plural) A sensation of excited anxiety felt in the stomach.

“I get terrible butterflies before an exam.”

Someone seen as being unserious and (originally) dressed gaudily; someone flighty and unreliable.

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.”

To cut strips of surgical tape or plasters into thin strips, and place across (a gaping wound) to close it.