moray eel

noun

mo·​ray eel mə-ˈrā-  ˈmȯr-(ˌ)ā- 

: any of numerous often brightly colored eels (family Muraenidae) that have sharp teeth capable of inflicting a severe bite, that occur in warm seas, and that include a chiefly Mediterranean eel (Muraena helena) sometimes used for food

called also moray

Examples of moray eel in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The real draw here is the 200,000-gallon tank full of more than 100 sea creatures, including tropical fish, sharks, manta rays and even moray eels. —Mackensy Lunsford, The Tennessean, 27 Nov. 2024

Renowned Madrid chef Juanjo López is the brains behind creative dishes such as avocado with mojo sauce and crispy fried moray eel, which pairs well with the smoothly complex César house volcanic wine. —Toby Skinner, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Nov. 2024

Wardill notes that numerous other examples of animals collaborating across species exist, including groupers hunting with moray eels and badgers working with coyotes. —Byhannah Richter, science.org, 23 Sep. 2024

Built on the side of Le Rocher, Monaco’s perched old town, the museum features more than 6,000 species, from Mediterranean octopuses and moray eels to tropical sharks and sea horses. —Lane Nieset, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Portuguese moréia, from Latin muraena, from Greek myraina

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

moray eel

noun

mo·​ray eel mə-ˈrā-  ˈmȯr-ā- 

: any of numerous often brightly colored eels that have sharp teeth capable of biting and live in warm seas

called also moray