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Glite Dictionary
clingfish

clingfish

9.9
A small flat sea fish with a sucking disc under its body that holds it to rocks
  • noun
  • /ˈklɪŋˌfɪʃ/
translation icon : pez adherente
  • The clingfish uses its unique suction disc to attach itself to rocky surfaces in tide pools.

Examples

  • Several species of clingfish can be found along the coastal waters of Europe and North America.

  • A marine biologist studied the clingfish to understand how its suction mechanism works.

  • The clingfish is often found in rocky coastal areas.

  • Did you see the clingfish at the aquarium?

  • The clingfish uses its unique suction disc to attach itself to rocky surfaces in tide pools.

  • Several species of clingfish can be found along the coastal waters of Europe and North America.

  • A marine biologist studied the clingfish to understand how its suction mechanism works.

Synonyms

suckerfish
vsclingfish
  • Specialized
1 7.9

A sea fish that uses a flat mouth to hold onto larger animals or objects

uses an underside suction disc to attach to surfaces rather than to larger animals
skillet fish
vsclingfish
  • US
9.9

A small flat fish that clings to rocks in shallow waters along the Atlantic coast

is the general small flattened fish with a suction disc on its underside
skilletfish
vsclingfish
9.9

A small flat sea fish that clings to rocks with a suction cup

is the small flattened fish with an underside suction disc for attaching to surfaces
sucking fish
vsclingfish
  • Specialized
9.3

A fish with a flat long body and a head plate that holds on to bigger animals or boats

uses an underside disc to attach to surfaces rather than to animals

Surface Forms

clingfish singular
clingfishes plural

Morphology

clingfish = cling + fish (transparent) = cling + fish

The compound is a straightforward combination of 'cling' + 'fish': a fish that clings to surfaces, so learners who know the components can infer the meaning.

Etymology

Clingfish joins cling 'to hold on tightly' and fish 'a water animal'. So it literally means a 'fish' that 'clings' to rocks, which fits the small, flat sea fish that has a cup-like part under its body to help it stick to surfaces.