shortfin mako
- noun
- /ˈʃɔrtˌfɪn ˈmeɪkoʊ/
- Specialized
:
mako de aleta corta
- In tropical waters, the shortfin mako frequently attracts sport fishers due to its reputation as a thrilling catch.
- distribution of the shortfin mako
Examples
-
On the other hand, the shortfin mako is prized by both recreational and commercial fishermen, and this is reflected in the relatively low numbers of makos tagged and released and the high recapture rate (third highest).
Academic text (1998) -
The shortfin mako is known for its remarkable speed and agility, making it a sought-after game fish for anglers.
-
Fishermen often target the shortfin mako because of its impressive fighting ability when caught.
Synonyms
2
9.5
A large, very fast shark found in the Atlantic and Pacific oceans
1
6.7
A large, fast sea fish with a long sharp nose that often jumps when hunting
A fast blue shark called the shortfin mako that lives in warm seas and is popular with sport fishers
How Fast
- Specialized
- Specialized
11
2.9
2
6.3
Surface Forms
Morphology
shortfin + mako
The compound denotes a mako shark characterized by short fins, so its meaning is directly derivable from the constituent concepts (short + fin + mako). Even if 'shortfin' is written as one word or not listed in a dictionary, the descriptive adjective-noun composition is transparent and cross-linguistically common, allowing a B1 learner who knows the parts to infer it refers to a mako with short fins.
Etymology
Shortfin mako may come from two parts: shortfin (it has short fins) and mako, a word from the Maori language for 'shark'. That clear image of a sleek, strong shark with small fins helps explain why the name fits this 'fast' shark that fishermen value.