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Glite Dictionary
handsaw fish

handsaw fish

9.9
A sea fish with a long thin body and a sharp saw-like snout for catching prey
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : pez sierra
  • The handsaw fish is noted for its sharp, blade-like jaw which it uses to catch prey.

Examples

  • Marine biologists encountered a rare handsaw fish during their deep-sea expedition.

  • The unique features of the handsaw fish make it easily distinguishable from other predatory fish.

  • The handsaw fish is fascinating to observe.

  • Have you ever seen a handsaw fish in the ocean?

  • Marine biologists encountered a rare handsaw fish during their deep-sea expedition.

  • The handsaw fish is noted for its sharp, blade-like jaw which it uses to catch prey.

  • The unique features of the handsaw fish make it easily distinguishable from other predatory fish.

Surface Forms

handsaw fish singular
handsaw fish plural

Morphology

handsaw + fish

The compound modifier 'handsaw' (a hand-operated saw) plus 'fish' transparently signals a fish characterized by a saw-like feature; a learner who knows both constituents can reasonably infer it is a fish with a saw-like snout or shape. The meaning is compositional and directly derivable from the parts, matching the given definition.

Etymology

Handsaw fish comes from the fish's long, thin body and a sharp, saw-like jaw that looks like a small handsaw. That's why the name describes a fish with a 'blade-like snout' used to catch other fish.