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Glite Dictionary
Sphyraena barracuda

Sphyraena barracuda

9.9
A large grey-brown sea fish that people eat and catch for sport and can sometimes be dangerous to swimmers
  • noun
  • /ˌsfɪrəˈiːnə bærəˈkuːdə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : barracuda
  • Grilled Sphyraena barracuda is a delicacy in some coastal communities.

Examples

  • Swimmers are advised to be cautious in waters known for the presence of Sphyraena barracuda.

  • Many fishermen target the Sphyraena barracuda for sport.

  • Fishermen were excited to catch a Sphyraena barracuda during the tournament.

  • The Sphyraena barracuda is known for its speed.

  • Fishermen were excited to catch a Sphyraena barracuda during the tournament.

  • Grilled Sphyraena barracuda is a delicacy in some coastal communities.

  • Swimmers are advised to be cautious in waters known for the presence of Sphyraena barracuda.

Synonyms

barracuda
vsSphyraena barracuda
15 6.8

A large sea fish with a long body and sharp teeth that hunts other fish

is narrower, referring to one particular species valued for sport and as food
great barracuda
vsSphyraena barracuda
1 8.0

A large fast tropical fish with sharp teeth that hunts other fish

is the scientific name for the same species with greyish brown colour

Surface Forms

Sphyraena barracuda singular
Sphyraena barracudas plural

Morphology

Sphyraena + barracuda

The phrase names a taxonomic species by combining the genus name 'Sphyraena' (a genus of predatory fish called barracudas) with the common noun 'barracuda' (a swift marine predator), so its meaning as a particular type of barracuda is directly derivable from the constituents. Binomial scientific names are compositional and follow a predictable naming pattern familiar across languages, making it transparent to learners who know the constituent words.

Etymology

Sphyraena barracuda mixes a scientific name, Sphyraena, with the common name barracuda, a word sailors used for a long, spear-like fish with big teeth. Because the fish is long, fast and has sharp teeth, the name helps you picture a large, sometimes 'dangerous' fish that people catch for food and sport.