Clupeidae

plural noun

Clu·​pe·​i·​dae

klüˈpēəˌdē

: a large family of soft-finned teleost fishes (order Isospondyli) including the herrings, sardines, shads, menhaden, and related forms all having a narrow compressed body and forked tail

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Clupea, type genus + -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!