butterflyfish

[ buht-er-flahy-fish ]

/ ˈbʌt ərˌflaɪˌfɪʃ /

Save This Word!

noun, plural (especially collectively) but·ter·fly·fish·es, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) but·ter·fly·fish.

any tropical marine fish of the family Chaetodontidae, having large, broad fins or brilliant coloration, or both.

flying gurnard.

a blenny, Blennius ocellaris, of Europe.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of butterflyfish

First recorded in 1730–40; butterfly + fish

Words nearby butterflyfish

butterfly closure, butterfly collar, butterfly damper, butterfly diagram, butterfly effect, butterflyfish, butterfly flower, butterfly net, butterfly nut, butterfly orchid, butterfly pea

British Dictionary definitions for butterflyfish

butterflyfish

noun

any small tropical marine percoid fish of the genera Chaetodon, Chelmon, etc, that has a deep flattened brightly coloured or strikingly marked body and brushlike teeth: family ChaetodontidaeSee also angelfish (def. 1)

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012