firefly

[ fahyuh r-flahy ]

/ ˈfaɪərˌflaɪ /

any nocturnal beetle of the family Lampyridae, characterized by a soft body with a light-producing organ at the rear of the abdomen.

Also called glowfly, lightning bug.

Compare glowworm.

Origin of firefly

First recorded in 1650–60; fire + fly²

From Firefly to Pushing Daisies to Freaks and Geeks, the intensity of fan support has attempted to save or revive genre shows.

A Fan Night Out: The Return of Veronica Mars |Scott Bixby |March 14, 2014 |DAILY BEAST
Joss Whedon, the creator of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Firefly, shares these mixed feelings.

The ‘Veronica Mars’ Kickstarter Smash: 5 Burning Questions |Kevin Fallon |March 15, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
I would jump at an opportunity to do any kind of Firefly thing again.

TV's Next Great Leading Man |Kara Cutruzzula |March 9, 2009 |DAILY BEAST
So, was it a coincidence you were Captain Hammer on Dr. Horrible and nicknamed Captain Tightpants on Firefly?

TV's Next Great Leading Man |Kara Cutruzzula |March 9, 2009 |DAILY BEAST

Unfortunately, that devotion doesn't always translate into programs that stay on the air—just ask Firefly fans about that.

Will TV Slay Joss Whedon? |Joel Keller |January 28, 2009 |DAILY BEAST
Firefly fed the flame with the dried moss until it was big enough to burn little twigs and dead leaves.

The Cave Twins |Lucy Fitch Perkins
Then came a gale of twenty hours' duration; but the Firefly held her course, and proved herself to be a perfect sea boat.

Brave Old Salt |Oliver Optic
He was often uncertain whether it was a firefly a few yards away, or a star the other side of Time.

Where the Blue Begins |Christopher Morley
Well was it then for Martin Rattler that a friendly heart beat for him on board the Firefly.

Martin Rattler |R.M. Ballantyne
Firefly heard him and came plunging through the bushes after him.

The Cave Twins |Lucy Fitch Perkins

firefly

/ (ˈfaɪəˌflaɪ) /

any nocturnal beetle of the family Lampyridae, common in warm and tropical regions, having luminescent abdominal organs See also glow-worm

any tropical American click beetle of the genus Pyrophorus, esp P. noctiluca, that have luminescent thoracic organs