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Glite Dictionary
electric catfish

electric catfish

8.0
A freshwater fish from African rivers that makes electric shocks
  • noun
  • /ɪˈlɛktrɪk ˈkætfɪʃ/
  • South African
translation icon : pez gato eléctrico
  • In tropical rivers, the electric catfish is known for its ability to generate electricity for defense.

Examples

  • Electric Catfish:

    Academic text (1995)

  • The electric catfish can produce shocks strong enough to stun its prey.

  • African villagers have relied on the electric catfish for both food and medicinal purposes.

Synonyms

Malopterurus electricus
vselectric catfish
  • Specialized
9.9

A catfish from African rivers that can give electric shocks

refers generally to that type across regions rather than one species
Malopterurus
vselectric catfish
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of African freshwater catfish that make electric shocks

denotes the common specific freshwater fish rather than the whole group

Surface Forms

electric catfish singular
electric catfishes plural

Morphology

electric + catfish

The meaning 'a catfish that produces electric shocks' is directly and transparently derived from combining 'electric' (relating to electricity) with 'catfish' (a type of fish). This standard adjective + noun composition is predictable and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents will readily understand the MWE.

Etymology

Electric catfish is a literal name: it is a catfish (a fish with whisker-like feelers) that can give electric shocks, so people added the word electric. Its real 'shock' can 'stun' prey or hurt a person, which is why the name shows what the fish can do.