Ariidae

plural noun

Ari·​i·​dae
əˈrīəˌdē
: a family of marine fishes (order Ostariophysi) comprising the sea catfishes and usually having a bony buckler from the skull to the dorsal spine compare crucifix fish

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin, from Arius, type genus (from the specific epithet of Pimelodus arius—now Arius arius— borrowed from a Bengali word of uncertain form) + -idae -idae

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 Ariidae

Cite this Entry

“Ariidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Ariidae. Accessed 15 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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