firefly
UK: ˈfaɪəflaɪ | US: ˈfaɪərflaɪ
n. a nocturnal beetle-like insect that produces light through bioluminescence, commonly found in warm climates.
The word "firefly" is a transparent compound formed from "fire" (Old English fȳr, meaning "light/heat") and "fly" (Old English flēoge, meaning "winged insect"). It directly describes the insect’s most distinctive feature: its ability to emit light, resembling a tiny flying flame. This logical naming reflects the creature’s behavior and appearance, making it easily memorable.
Children chased the glowing fireflies in the summer twilight.
The firefly’s light is produced by a chemical reaction in its abdomen.
Scientists study fireflies to understand bioluminescence.
A field of fireflies at night looks like a sky full of stars.
In Japanese culture, fireflies symbolize the souls of the departed.