josef

noun

jo·​sef
variants or joseph or josup
-zəp
plural -s
: an elephant fish (Callorynchus capensis) of southern Africa

Word History

Etymology

Afrikaans josef, probably after Josef (Joseph), Old Testament patriarch; from the brilliant colors of the fish, reminiscent of Joseph's coat of many colors (Genesis 37:3—Authorized Version)

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Dictionary Entries Near josef

Cite this Entry

“Josef.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/josef. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

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