garfish

English

Etymology

    From Middle English garfysche (“garfish”, literally “spear-fish”), from gor (“spear”) + fisch (“fish”). Cognate with Scots gairfish (“garfish”).

    Pronunciation

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    Noun

    garfish (plural garfishes or garfish)

    1. (especially UK, Ireland) Any fish of the needlefish family Belonidae, with a long narrow body and needle-shaped jaws, especially the European species Belone belone.
      Synonyms: needlefish, long-nose, sea needle, common hornbeak, hornbeak, garpike
    2. (especially US, Canada) Any North or Central American fish of the family Lepisosteidae.
      Synonyms: gar, garpike

    Usage notes

    • See usage notes at gar.

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