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View synonyms for firefly

firefly

[ fahyuhr-flahy ]

noun

, plural fire·flies.
  1. any nocturnal beetle of the family Lampyridae, characterized by a soft body with a light-producing organ at the rear of the abdomen.


firefly

/ ˈfaɪəˌflaɪ /

noun

  1. any nocturnal beetle of the family Lampyridae , common in warm and tropical regions, having luminescent abdominal organs See also glow-worm
  2. any tropical American click beetle of the genus Pyrophorus , esp P. noctiluca , that have luminescent thoracic organs


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Word History and Origins

Origin of firefly1

First recorded in 1650–60; fire + fly 1

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Example Sentences

Ecology graduate researcher Kelly Ridenhour drives all over the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains in Georgia at dusk in search of the eastern firefly known as the “Big Dipper.”

A father-son backpacking trip in the Grand Canyon is an introduction to adventure In the Great Smoky Mountains, fireflies have become a source of tourism — and solace

It’s about as easy as looking for the single blink of a firefly in the middle of a motorway, using only a handheld phone.

His gentle landscapes depict fields, sheltering forests and neighbors who are mostly cows, fireflies and the occasional dog.

For the sea firefly — which uses glowing trails to attract mates — a small increase could give it a sexy advantage.

From Firefly to Pushing Daisies to Freaks and Geeks, the intensity of fan support has attempted to save or revive genre shows.

Joss Whedon, the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly, shares these mixed feelings.

I would jump at an opportunity to do any kind of Firefly thing again.

So, was it a coincidence you were Captain Hammer on Dr. Horrible and nicknamed Captain Tightpants on Firefly?

Unfortunately, that devotion doesn't always translate into programs that stay on the air—just ask Firefly fans about that.

The ordinary firefly to which we are accustomed gives off a very much brighter light if placed in warm water.

On a grassy bank we captured a firefly and shut him in between the glass and the face of our pocket compass.

An erratic firefly wandered down from the overhanging branches, then commenced to dart from side to side near her head.

And he wondered whether it might be a relation of Freddie Firefly.

Well was it then for Martin Rattler that a friendly heart beat for him on board the Firefly.

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tortuous

[tawr-choo-uhs ]

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