chain pike

9.9

A small freshwater fish with chain-like markings that eats other fish

noun
/tʃeɪn paɪk/

: lucio de cadena

The chain pike is easily recognized by its chain-like markings along its sides.

Examples

Many anglers in the region hope to catch a chain pike during the spring fishing season.
He caught a large chain pike in the shallow waters near the dock.
The chain pike is known for its sharp teeth.
Many anglers enjoy catching chain pikes in local lakes.
He caught a large chain pike in the shallow waters near the dock.
Many anglers in the region hope to catch a chain pike during the spring fishing season.
The chain pike is easily recognized by its chain-like markings along its sides.

Synonyms

pickerel

vschain pike

1 9.9

A small thin freshwater fish similar to a pike found in North America

is the specific eastern species rather than the broader group

Esox niger

vschain pike

Specialized

9.9

A long thin freshwater fish that lives in quiet waters of eastern North America

is the common name rather than the scientific label

chain pickerel

vschain pike

8.8

A fish that lives in fresh water with a long body and dark marks like a chain

is an alternative common name used interchangeably

Surface Forms

chain pike singular

chain pikes plural

Morphology

chain + pike

This is a noun–noun compound where 'pike' names a type of fish and 'chain' functions as a modifier; a B1 learner who knows 'pike' (a freshwater predator) and 'chain' (a common modifier) can reasonably infer it denotes a kind or variety of pike even if they don’t know the exact species details. Such modifier+noun formation is compositional and cross-linguistically common, so the basic meaning is directly derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

Chain pike gets its name from the pattern on its sides: the dark, linked marks look like a metal chain, and it is a small type of pike. So the name helps you remember that this is a small pike with chain-like marks.