firefly (ˈfaɪəˌflaɪ) ![]() | |
| —n , pl -flies | |
| 1. | See also glow-worm any nocturnal beetle of the family Lampyridae, common in warm and tropical regions, having luminescent abdominal organs |
| 2. | any tropical American click beetle of the genus Pyrophorus, esp P. noctiluca, that have luminescent thoracic organs |
| a calculus or concretion found in the stomach or intestines of certain animals, esp. ruminants, formerly reputed to be an effective remedy for poison. |
| a stew of meat, vegetables, potatoes, etc. |