fire·fly (f r fl )n. Any of various nocturnal beetles of the family Lampyridae, characteristically having luminescent chemicals in the posterior tip of the abdomen that produce a flashing light. Also called lightning bug. See Regional Note at lightning bug. |
firefly [ˈfaɪəˌflaɪ]
n pl -flies
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) any nocturnal beetle of the family Lampyridae, common in warm and tropical regions, having luminescent abdominal organs See also glow-worm
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) any tropical American click beetle of the genus Pyrophorus, esp P. noctiluca, that have luminescent thoracic organs
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. |  firefly - tropical American click beetle having bright luminous spotsgenus Pyrophorus, Pyrophorus - tropical click beetles |
| 2. |  firefly - nocturnal beetle common in warm regions having luminescent abdominal organsbeetle - insect having biting mouthparts and front wings modified to form horny covers overlying the membranous rear wings family Lampyridae, Lampyridae - fireflies glowworm - the luminous larva or wingless grub-like female of a firefly |
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