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firefly

   Also found in: Encyclopedia, Wikipedia, Hutchinson 0.01 sec.
fire·fly  (frfl)
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
Noun1.fireflyfirefly - tropical American click beetle having bright luminous spots
fire beetle, Pyrophorus noctiluca
elater, elaterid, elaterid beetle - any of various widely distributed beetles
genus Pyrophorus, Pyrophorus - tropical click beetles
2.fireflyfirefly - nocturnal beetle common in warm regions having luminescent abdominal organs
lightning bug
beetle - 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
Translations
firefly [ˈfaɪəflaɪ] N → luciérnaga f
firefly fire fly [ˈfaɪərflaɪ] n → luciole f
firefly [ˈfaɪəˌflaɪ] n (-flies (pl)) → lucciola
firefly [ˈfaɪəˌflaɪ] n (-flies (pl)) → lucciola


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? Mentioned in ? References in classic literature
 
Ye guardians of the Pepper Chamber,** now No longer young to him, the firefly flits Through the black hall where, lost to love, he sits, Folding the veil of sorrows round his brow,
A Lute of Jade by Cranmer-Byng, L. View in context
Unto a life which I call natural I would gladly follow even a will-o'-the-wisp through bogs and sloughs unimaginable, but no moon nor firefly has shown me the causeway to it.
Walking by Thoreau, Henry David View in context
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