The Spanish word for butterfly, now used in English to refer to a butterfly or to describe things with butterfly-like qualities. Mariposa lilies are named for their butterfly-shaped petals.
From Spanish mariposa, possibly from María (Mary) + the diminutive rosa (rose), or from mare (sea) + posa (resting place). Some etymologists suggest it combines 'mar' (sea) and 'posa' (butterfly), though the exact origin is disputed.
There's a beautiful legend that mariposa comes from 'María Posa'—the Virgin Mary's resting place—because butterflies were seen as spiritual messengers. Whether that's true or not, Spanish speakers chose such a lyrical word for butterflies that English speakers borrowed it for fancy flowers and artistic contexts!
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.