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devilfish

devilfish

1 8.7
A medium-sized black and grey whale that hunts in groups
  • noun
  • /ˈdɛvəlˌfɪʃ/
  • Archaic
translation icon : orca
  • The devilfish is known for its striking appearance.

Examples

  • The devilfish is often spotted hunting in pods along the Alaskan coast.

  • The documentary featured rare footage of a devilfish breaching the water's surface.

  • Early sailors called the orca a devilfish because of its fearsome reputation.

  • Many people are fascinated by the devilfish in documentaries.

  • The devilfish is known for its striking intelligence and complex social structures.

  • Sighting a devilfish in the northern Pacific is a rare and exhilarating experience.

  • Marine biologists study the devilfish to better understand the behaviors of orcas.

Synonyms

orca
vsdevilfish
25 3.4

A large black and white whale with sharp teeth that hunts other animals

is medium sized and greyish black found mainly in the northern Pacific
killer whale
vsdevilfish
20 3.2

A large black and white whale with teeth that hunts other sea animals

is medium sized greyish black and native mainly to the northern Pacific
Orcinus orca
vsdevilfish
  • Specialized
1 6.0

A large black-and-white whale with teeth and a tall fin that hunts in groups

is described as medium sized and greyish black from the northern Pacific
sea wolf
vsdevilfish
6.2

A large black-and-white whale that hunts other sea animals like seals and fish

is medium sized and greyish black rather than black and white in appearance

Surface Forms

devilfish singular
devilfishes plural

Morphology

devilfish = devil + fish (opaque) = devil + fish

The compound is historically used to name whales (orca), which are mammals, so the literal parts do not yield the actual zoological meaning for learners.

Etymology

Devilfish puts together devil ('dangerous or fearsome') and fish ('sea animal'). Early sailors used the name for the killer whale because of its dark, fearsome look and hunting power, so the old name stuck for the orca.