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Glite Dictionary
tonguefish

tonguefish

9.9
A small flat sea fish found in warm shallow waters with both eyes on the left side
  • noun
  • /ˈtʌŋˌfɪʃ/
translation icon : lenguado
  • The tonguefish is often found in shallow, sandy areas along tropical coastlines.

Examples

  • That bay is home to several species of tonguefish despite its limited commercial importance.

  • Researchers discovered a new type of tonguefish off the coast last year.

  • The tonguefish is often found in shallow waters.

  • Many fishermen have caught a tonguefish this season.

  • The tonguefish is typically seen swimming near coral reefs in warm ocean waters.

  • In tropical regions, the tonguefish usually hides in the sand to avoid predators.

  • Marine biologists study the tonguefish to learn more about its habitat and behavior.

Synonyms

flatfish
vstonguefish
1 4.8

A fish with a flat body that lies on its side with both eyes on the upper side

is a specific warm sea left-eyed species with a pointed tail and low value
tongue-fish
vstonguefish
  • Specialized
9.9

A small flat sea fish with both eyes on the left side found on sandy bottoms

is identical in meaning but usually written without a hyphen
lefteye flounder
vstonguefish
  • Specialized
9.9

A flat fish with both eyes on the left side of its head

is a specific small type with a tapered tail and little commercial value
lefteyed flounder
vstonguefish
  • Specialized
9.9

A fish with both eyes on the left side of its head

refers to one particular small species with a tapered tail

Surface Forms

tonguefish singular
tonguefishes plural

Morphology

tonguefish = tongue + fish (transparent) = tongue + fish

The name is a straightforward compound of two common nouns; learners can infer it denotes a kind of fish associated with a tongue-like shape.

Etymology

Tonguefish comes from the simple parts tongue and fish, because this flat sea fish looks long and thin like a 'tongue', so the name helps you picture its shape.