Borboleta
/boʁ.boˈle.tɐ/noun
A butterfly, typically characterized by its vibrant colors and delicate wings.
Did you know?In Portuguese folklore, butterflies are often seen as the souls of the departed, embodying transformation and rebirth.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bher-
“to carry or to bring”
Ancient Greek
Greek
βοῦς (bous)
“to bring or carry (often associated with livestock)”
Old Latin
Latin
borborygmos
“a rumbling in the intestines”
Medieval Latin
Medieval Latin
borboreta
“a small creature that flutters or flits about”
Modern Portuguese
Portuguese
borboleta
“a butterfly, representing lightness and transformation”
Explore more surprising origins