dayfly n 1: slender insect with delicate membranous wings having an aquatic larval stage and terrestrial adult stage usually lasting less than two days [syn: {mayfly}, {dayfly}, {shadfly}]
Dayfly \Day"fly`\ (d[=a]"fl[imac]`), n. (Zool.) A neuropterous insect of the genus {Ephemera} and related genera, of many species, and inhabiting fresh water in the larval state; the ephemeral fly; -- so called because it commonly lives but one day in the winged or adult state. See {Ephemeral fly}, under {Ephemeral}. [1913 Webster]