fire·fly / ˈfīrˌflī/ • n. (pl. -flies) a soft-bodied beetle (family Lampyridae) related to the glowworm, the winged male and flightless female of which both have luminescent organs. The light is chiefly produced as a signal between the sexes, esp. in flashes.

firefly Light-emitting beetle found in moist places of temperate and tropical regions. Organs underneath the abdomen usually give off rhythmic flashes of light that are typical of the species. The luminous larvae and wingless females of some species are called glow-worms. Length: to 25mm (1in). There are 1000 species. Family Lampyridae.

firefly
1. (Pyrophorus) See ELATERIDAE.

2. See LAMPYRIDAE.