leerfish

noun

leer·​fish ˈlir-ˌfish How to pronounce leerfish (audio)
variants or less commonly leervis
: a large, vigorous marine fish (Lichia amia of the family Carangidae) that is valued as a sport fish, is bluish-gray to brown above and silvery-white below, may reach a length of over six feet (1.8 meters) but is typically smaller, and is found especially in coastal waters off western and eastern Africa and in the Mediterranean Sea

called also garrick

Word History

Etymology

leerfish partial translation of Afrikaans leervis, from leer leather + vis fish; leervis from Afrikaans

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leerfish was in 1843

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Cite this Entry

“Leerfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leerfish. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

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