butterfly

• Insecto diurno de cuerpo delgado, antenas con mazas y alas anchas y de colores vistosos; también estilo de natación en el que ambos brazos se lanzan simultáneamente hacia adelante desde el agua, mientras las piernas realizan un movimiento ondulante tipo delfín.

A noun referring to a diurnal insect with slender body, knobbed antennae, and broad colorful wings; also a swimming stroke where both arms are thrown forward together out of the water while the legs perform a dolphin kick.

1. A1formal

   A flying insect with a slender body, large often brightly colored wings, and club-shaped antennae, typically active during the day.

   Mariposa

   • A beautiful butterfly landed on the flower.
   • The children watched the butterfly flutter across the garden.
   • Monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles every year.

2. B1formalsport

   A competitive swimming stroke performed face down, where both arms are lifted out of the water and brought forward together, while the legs perform a dolphin kick.

   Estilo mariposa

   • She won the gold medal in the 100-meter butterfly.
   • The butterfly stroke requires a lot of strength and coordination.
   • He is practicing his butterfly technique for the upcoming competition.

   Sinónimosfly

• Verbo que significa cortar un alimento (especialmente carne o pescado) casi por la mitad y abrirlo en forma plana, o moverse con ligereza y sin rumbo fijo.

A verb meaning to cut food (especially meat or fish) almost in half and spread it flat, or to move about in a light, aimless manner.

1. Flutter or move lightlyB2informal

   To move or float in a light, fluttering manner, similar to the flight of a butterfly.

   Revolotear o moverse ligeramente

   • The dancer butterflyed across the stage with grace.
   • Leaves butterflyed down from the tree in the autumn breeze.
   • Her heart butterflyed with excitement as she waited.

   Sinónimosdriftflitflitterfloatflutterhoverwaft

2. Cut and spread openB2formalculinary

   To cut a piece of food, such as meat or fish, almost in half and spread it open flat, often for cooking.

   Abrir en mariposa

   • The chef butterflyed the chicken breast before grilling it.
   • You should butterfly the shrimp to ensure even cooking.
   • He butterflyed the fish and seasoned it with herbs.

   Sinónimosflattenopenspatchcocksplit

3. Flirt or behave amorouslyC1informal

   To talk or behave in a playful, romantic, or flirtatious manner without serious intentions.

   Coquetear

   • He was butterflying with several people at the party.
   • She accused him of butterflying instead of being serious.
   • They spent the evening butterflying and laughing together.

   Sinónimoscoquetdallyflirtphilandertoytrifle