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moth

Pronunciation: /mɒθ/
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Definition of moth

noun

  • an insect with two pairs of broad wings covered in microscopic scales, typically drably coloured and held flat when at rest. Moths are chiefly nocturnal, and lack the clubbed antennae of butterflies.
    • Most superfamilies of the order Lepidoptera. Formerly placed in a grouping known as the Heterocera
  • informal a clothes moth.

Phrases

like a moth to the flame

with an irresistible attraction for someone or something:he drew women to him like moths to the flame

Origin:

Old English moththe, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch mot and German Motte

moth in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of moth in the US English dictionary

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