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Glite Dictionary
flying robin

flying robin

9.8
A fish from warm seas with large fan-shaped side fins that glides underwater
  • noun
translation icon : gurnard volador
  • Scientists are studying how the unique anatomy of the flying robin enables its underwater gliding abilities.

Examples

  • Unlike the searobin, the flying robin uses its broad fins to move gracefully under water.

  • I saw a beautiful flying robin at the aquarium.

  • Divers marveled at the vibrant fins of the flying robin as it glided effortlessly above the coral reef.

  • The flying robins in this reef are stunning!

  • Divers marveled at the vibrant fins of the flying robin as it glided effortlessly above the coral reef.

  • Scientists are studying how the unique anatomy of the flying robin enables its underwater gliding abilities.

  • Unlike the searobin, the flying robin uses its broad fins to move gracefully under water.

Synonyms

flying gurnard
vsflying robin
9.9

A tropical fish with very large fan-like side fins that glides along the sea floor

is the alternative common name for the identical fish

Surface Forms

flying robin singular
flying robins plural

Morphology

flying + robin

A B1 learner knowing 'flying' and 'robin' would plausibly expect a bird that flies; the actual referent is a species of tropical fish that glides underwater, so the meaning cannot be derived from the constituent words. This is a specialized taxonomic/common-name usage and therefore unpredictable from the parts, making it opaque to learners.

Etymology

The noun flying robin probably comes from the fish's large, fanlike fins. One popular story says that when the fish spreads these fins it looks like a small bird, so the words flying and robin help you picture a fish that seems to 'glide' through the water.