alligator fish

noun

: a sea poacher (as Podothecus acipenserinus) of the Pacific coast of North America

Word History

Etymology

so called from its covering of bony plates

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alligator fish was in 1882

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near alligator fish

Cite this Entry

“Alligator fish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alligator%20fish. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!