Dragonflies

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of large, aerial insect known for its long body and agile flight that typically preys on smaller insects and is found near water sources
2. These are insects characterized by two pairs of intricate wings and an elongated abdomen, often seen hovering near ponds and streams
3. A family of insects notable for their vibrant colors and impressive flying capabilities, commonly observed near aquatic habitats where they hunt for smaller prey

Etymology: This is the plural of "dragonfly", so the story lies in the two halves of the compound. "Dragon" traces back through Latin "draco" and Greek "drakon", a word for a large serpent, and came into English through Old French "dragon" and Middle English "dragoun". "Fly" is the older and more ordinary part, descended from Old English "flēoge", a word that has been in the language since the earliest records. The name is a plain compound, and its most striking feature is the comparison it makes: a slender insect with a long body and large wings was likened to a mythical winged serpent. An earlier English name, "drakefly", shows the same idea in a different form. "Drake" was a variant of "dragon", so the insect was called a dragon-fly long before the word settled into its present spelling.

Synonyms: darners