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Gadus merlangus

Gadus merlangus

9.9
A small white fish like a cod that people eat off northern European coasts
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Gadus merlangus
  • The Gadus merlangus is often found off the coasts of northern Europe and is prized for its delicate flavor.

Examples

  • Fishermen in the North Sea catch large quantities of Gadus merlangus each year for local markets.

  • The chef prepared Gadus merlangus with lemon and herbs.

  • Dishes made with Gadus merlangus are popular in traditional British cuisine.

  • Many restaurants serve Gadus merlangus as a special dish.

  • Dishes made with Gadus merlangus are popular in traditional British cuisine.

  • Fishermen in the North Sea catch large quantities of Gadus merlangus each year for local markets.

  • The Gadus merlangus is often found off the coasts of northern Europe and is prized for its delicate flavor.

Synonyms

whiting
vsGadus merlangus
3 6.8

A small silvery sea fish that people eat

refers specifically to the European Atlantic species resembling cod
Merlangus merlangus
vsGadus merlangus
  • Specialized
9.9

A small edible fish like a cod that lives in the North Atlantic

is a general descriptive account stressing resemblance to cod and European waters

Surface Forms

Morphology

Gadus + Merlangus

Both constituent words denote genera of cod-like fishes, so the combination signals a specific species of fish; the meaning 'a kind of fish (whiting)' is directly compositional from the parts. Binomial scientific naming (genus + species) is a transparent taxonomic pattern, so a learner who knows the constituent definitions can infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

The scientific name Gadus merlangus may come from old words for two fishes: Gadus was a Latin word for 'cod' and merlangus comes from the French word 'merlan' for 'whiting'. So the name gives a simple picture: a small, cod-like sea fish, which is what we call 'whiting' today.