gata

noun

ga·​ta

ˈgätə

plural -s

: a shark (Ginglymostoma cirratum) of the warmer parts of the Atlantic ocean

called also nurse shark

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish, from Spanish, female cat, from Late Latin catta cat

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!