Fireflies: meaning, definitions and examples
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fireflies
[ ˈfaɪərflaɪz ]
insects, nature
Fireflies, also known as lightning bugs, are winged beetles belonging to the family Lampyridae. They are known for their unique ability to produce light through a biochemical process called bioluminescence, which is primarily used for mating signals. Fireflies are typically active during warmer months and are commonly seen during the evening and night hours, creating a magical display of glowing lights in nature.
Synonyms
lampyrid, lightning bug.
Examples of usage
- Fireflies lit up the summer night.
- We caught fireflies in a jar.
- The garden was alive with fireflies.
Translations
Translations of the word "fireflies" in other languages:
🇵🇹 vaga-lumes
🇮🇳 जुगनू
🇩🇪 Glühwürmchen
🇮🇩 kunang-kunang
🇺🇦 світлячки
🇵🇱 świetliki
🇯🇵 ホタル
🇫🇷 lucioles
🇪🇸 luciérnagas
🇹🇷 ateş böcekleri
🇰🇷 반딧불이
🇸🇦 يَرقَش
🇨🇿 světlušky
🇸🇰 svätojánske mušky
🇨🇳 萤火虫
🇸🇮 žuželke
🇮🇸 eldflóar
🇰🇿 от жарқылдағыш
🇬🇪 ფრინველები
🇦🇿 işıqlı böcəklər
🇲🇽 luciérnagas
Etymology
The term 'firefly' originates from the Middle English 'firflie', which is a combination of 'fire' and 'fly'. The earliest records date back to the 1400s, referencing the glowing insects that were commonly observed during the summer months. Throughout history, fireflies have fascinated people across cultures, often symbolizing magic and enchantment in folklore and literature. The scientific study of these insects began in earnest in the 19th century when naturalists sought to understand the mechanisms of bioluminescence. Today, fireflies are celebrated not only for their beauty but also for their ecological importance, serving as indicators of a healthy environment. Their presence in a particular area often signifies a thriving ecosystem, making them a subject of interest for conservation efforts.