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Glite Dictionary
worm fish

worm fish

9.9
A small, long tropical fish that lives in shallow water and hides in seagrass
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : pez gusano
  • The worm fish is often found in shallow waters.

Examples

  • Scientists discovered a new species of worm fish off the coast of Indonesia.

  • The worm fish is rarely seen in aquariums due to its secretive nature.

  • Because of its resemblance to a worm, the worm fish can easily camouflage among seagrass.

  • Have you seen a worm fish before?

  • Scientists discovered a new species of worm fish off the coast of Indonesia.

  • The worm fish is rarely seen in aquariums due to its secretive nature.

  • Because of its resemblance to a worm, the worm fish can easily camouflage among seagrass.

Synonyms

Microdesmidae
vsworm fish
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of small thin sea fish like wormfishes that live in warm coastal waters

refers to an individual small elongated shallow water fish within that family

Surface Forms

worm fish singular
worm fishes plural

Morphology

worm + fish

The meaning is directly compositional: 'worm' modifies 'fish' to indicate a fish that is worm-like or associated with worms (i.e. a small elongated fish). This follows a common noun–noun compounding pattern, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents can reasonably infer the MWE's meaning.

Etymology

Worm fish is named for its long, thin body that looks like a worm and for how this fish hides in sand and sea plants. So 'worm fish' today means a small, slender tropical fish that lives in shallow water.