noun

1. A flying insect of the order Lepidoptera, distinguished from moths by their diurnal activity and generally brighter colouring.

2. A use of surgical tape, cut into thin strips and placed across an open wound to hold it closed.

   “butterfly tape”

3. The butterfly stroke.

Synonyms: lep

verb

1. To cut (food) almost entirely in half and spread the halves apart, in a shape suggesting the wings of a butterfly.

   “Butterfly the chicken before you grill it.”

2. To cut strips of surgical tape or plasters into thin strips, and place across (a gaping wound) to close it.