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spearfish

spearfish

1 9.7
A large fast ocean fish with a long pointed bill like a marlin
  • noun
  • /ˈspɪrˌfɪʃ/
translation icon : pez espada
  • Fishermen often seek out spearfish due to their impressive size and fighting spirit.

Examples

  • Two of the five spearfish caught were released.

    Academic text (1992)
  • A guide will take you out to a reef to spearfish for dinner.

    Blog text (1)
  • In short, the Chippewas had successfully defended their right to spearfish according to tradition.

    Academic text (2005)
  • The new law prohibits the importation of marlin, sailfish, and spearfish in the continental United States.

    Blog text (26)
  • The spearfish is known for its incredible speed and agility in the ocean.

  • During our trip, we were excited to spot a spearfish swimming gracefully past our boat.

Surface Forms

spearfish singular
spearfishes plural

Morphology

spearfish = spear + fish (transparent) = spear + fish

The compound clearly denotes a type of fish; the components 'spear' and 'fish' make its referent inferable from their meanings.

Etymology

Spearfish is simply spear + fish, and it names a fish with a long, pointed bill that looks like a spear. So the word helps you remember a fast ocean fish with a spear-like nose.