Hairstreaks

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Referring to small butterflies characterized by slender bodies and delicate wing patterns often featuring streak-like markings near the edges of their wings
2. Describing a group of butterflies known for their thin, streaked lines on the hindwings that resemble fine hair-like markings and assist in camouflage or signaling
3. Identifying certain members of a butterfly family distinguished by narrow, hairlike stripes on their wings that serve as both protective and decorative features

Etymology: "Hairstreaks" is the plural of "hairstreak", a compound of "hair" and "streak". The name refers to the fine, thread-like lines that run across the underside of these butterflies' hindwings, markings that look like the strands of a hair. "Streak" itself is a long-established English word for a line or stripe of colour, so the compound simply describes a butterfly marked with such hair-fine streaks.

Synonyms: butterfly, lycaenid