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Swallowtail: meaning, definitions and examples

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swallowtail

 

[ หˆswษ’lษ™สŠteษชl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

butterfly type

Swallowtail refers to a group of butterflies belonging to the family Papilionidae. These butterflies are known for their distinctive tail-like extensions on their hindwings, which resemble the tails of swallows. Swallowtails are often brightly colored and are found in a variety of habitats around the world. They are also known for their unique behavior, including their flight patterns and their attraction to certain plants. Some species of swallowtails are known for their mimicry of toxic species, providing them with an evolutionary advantage.

Synonyms

Papilionidae, butterfly, lepidopteran

Examples of usage

  • The Eastern Tiger Swallowtail flutters gracefully in the garden.
  • She photographed a stunning Swallowtail resting on a flower.
  • We observed a group of Swallowtails basking in the sun.

Translations

Translations of the word "swallowtail" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น cauda de andorinha

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคธเฅเคตเฅˆเคฒเฅ‹เคŸเฅ‡เคฒ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Schwalbenschwanz

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ ekor burung swalow

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะปั–ะนะบะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ogon jaskรณล‚ki

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ„ใƒใƒกใ‚ทใ‚ธใƒŸ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท queue d'hirondelle

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ cola de golondrina

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yutma kuyruฤŸu

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ œ๋น„ ๊ผฌ๋ฆฌ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุฐูŠู„ ุงู„ุณู†ูˆู†ูˆ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ swallowtail

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ swallowtail

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็‡•ๅฐพ่ถ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ rep lastovke

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ swallowtail

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ัˆะตะณั–ั€ั‚ะบะต า›าฑะนั€ั‹า“ั‹

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒงแƒ•แƒแƒ•แƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜แƒก แƒ™แƒฃแƒ“แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qaymaฤŸฤฑn quyruฤŸu

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ cola de golondrina

Etymology

The term 'swallowtail' is derived from the late Middle English word 'swallow', referring to the bird, combined with 'tail', reflecting the tail-like appearance of these butterflies' hindwings. The word has its roots in Old English 'swalo' which is related to the action of swallowing, similar to the movement and shape associated with the bird. The term began to be used in the late 18th century as the scientific classification of butterflies became more understood. The swallowtail butterflies themselves have been observed since ancient times, with various cultures admiring their beauty and complexity. As entomology developed, the swallowtail became a well-known subject of study, leading to a deeper understanding of their habitat, behavior, and evolutionary significance.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,033, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.