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Glite Dictionary
smooth dogfish

smooth dogfish

8.8
A small shark that lives on the sea bottom along the Atlantic coasts of North and South America
  • noun
  • /smuːð ˈdɔɡfɪʃ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : tiburón perro liso
  • The smooth dogfish is commonly found in shallow coastal waters along the eastern United States.

Examples

  • Fishermen often catch smooth dogfish by accident while looking for other species.

  • Many fishermen catch the smooth dogfish for its mild flavor.

  • The skin of the smooth dogfish is notably smooth compared to other sharks.

  • The smooth dogfish is often found in shallow waters.

  • The smooth dogfish is often seen swimming along the seabed in search of food.

  • Fishermen often catch smooth dogfish while trawling for other fish species.

  • Along the coast, the smooth dogfish thrives in sandy habitats near shore.

Synonyms

Mustelus canis
vssmooth dogfish
  • Specialized
9.9

A small shark with smooth skin that lives along the Atlantic coast of the Americas

refers to the same small bottom dwelling shark but as the common name
American smooth dogfish
vssmooth dogfish
  • Specialized
9.5

A small shark that lives along the Atlantic coast of the Americas with smooth skin and a thin body

refers to the same bottom dwelling species without emphasizing appearance

Surface Forms

smooth dogfish singular
smooth dogfishes plural

Morphology

smooth + dogfish

The compound is a simple adjective + noun describing a subtype: 'smooth' modifies 'dogfish', so it denotes a dogfish that is smooth. This is a literal, descriptive species name, so a B1 learner who knows both words can readily infer the meaning.

Etymology

Smooth dogfish is named for two images: smooth for its softer skin and dogfish for a small shark fishermen called 'dogfish' because it sometimes hunted in groups like dogs. So the name helps you remember it is a small shark that lives on the sea floor with smooth skin.