<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>butterflies</li><li>any of numerous diurnal insects of the order Lepidoptera, characterized by clubbed antennae, a slender body, and large, broad, often conspicuously marked wings</li><li>a person who flits aimlessly from one interest or group to another: a social butterfly</li><li>butterflies, (used with a plural verb) Informal: a queasy feeling, as from nervousness, excitement, etc.</li><li>a racing breaststroke, using a dolphin kick, in which the swimmer brings both arms out of the water in forward, circular motions</li><li>Carpentry: butterfly wedge</li><li>Sculpture: an X-shaped support attached to an armature</li><li>one of the swinging brackets of a butterfly table</li><li>Movies: a screen of scrim, gauze, or similar material, for diffusing light</li></ul><p><strong>Verb</strong></p><ul><li>(used with object) butterflied, butterflying</li><li>Cooking: to slit open and spread apart to resemble the spread wings of a butterfly</li></ul><p><strong>Adjective</strong></p><ul><li>Cooking: split open and spread apart to resemble a butterfly: butterfly shrimp; butterfly steak</li></ul>