catchfly

[ kach-flahy ]

noun

, plural catch·flies.

1. any of various plants, especially of the genera Silene and Lychnis, having a viscid secretion on the stem and calyx in which small insects are sometimes caught.

catchfly

/ ˈkætʃˌflaɪ /

noun

1. any of several caryophyllaceous plants of the genus Silene that have sticky calyxes and stems on which insects are sometimes trapped

Word History and Origins

Origin of catchfly¹

1590–1600; from phrase catch ( the ) fly

Example Sentences

It feeds on the seeds of catchfly, campion, and will eat those of sweet-william and garden pinks.

From Project Gutenberg

The Nottingham Catchfly (Silene nutans) is a very interesting case.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the best cheap bedders is Pink Catchfly (Silene pendula).

From Project Gutenberg

A Catchfly which is not viscid, with the flowers collected into a tuft.

From Project Gutenberg

They are found on many plants, such as Salvia glutinosa, Plumbago, and Catchfly.

From Project Gutenberg