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Glite Dictionary
metalmark

metalmark

1 9.1
A butterfly with shiny spots on its wings that look like metal
  • noun
  • /ˈmɛtəlˌmɑrk/
: mariposa metalmark
  • metalmark butterfly

Examples

  • The metalmark is the most beautiful butterfly.

    To Write Love on Her Arms (2015)

  • The metalmark butterfly is recognized for its stunning metallic spots on its wings.

  • While hiking, I spotted a metalmark fluttering among the flowers in the meadow.

  • The metalmark is often admired by butterfly watchers for its unique coloration.

Surface Forms

metalmark singular
metalmarks plural

Morphology

metalmark = metal + mark (transparent) = metal + mark

A straightforward compound meaning a marking that looks metallic; the components map directly to the sense.

Etymology

Metalmark comes from metal ('metal') and mark ('spot' or 'sign') because these butterflies have shiny, metal-like spots on their wings. So, a metalmark is a butterfly named for its bright, shiny marks.