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Glite Dictionary
Electrophorus electricus

Electrophorus electricus

9.3
A long fish like an eel that lives in freshwater and makes strong electric shocks to hunt and protect itself
  • noun
  • /ˌɛlɛkˈtrɒfərəs ɪˈlɛktrɪkəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Electrophorus electricus
  • The Electrophorus electricus can generate electric shocks to stun its prey in the murky waters of the Amazon.

Examples

  • Scientists have studied the Electrophorus electricus to understand how it produces electricity in its body.

  • The Electrophorus electricus can generate up to 600 volts.

  • A large Electrophorus electricus may produce a shock powerful enough to deter predators.

  • Have you ever seen an Electrophorus electricus in the wild?

  • The Electrophorus electricus produces powerful electric shocks to hunt in the shallow rivers of South America.

  • An Electrophorus electricus can deliver a jolt that stuns smaller fish, making it easier to catch prey.

  • In the Amazon River, the Electrophorus electricus uses its electrical abilities for self-defense against larger predators.

Synonyms

electric eel
vsElectrophorus electricus
4 3.4

A large freshwater fish from South America that makes strong electric shocks

focuses on using shocks for hunting and self-defense
Electrophorus
vsElectrophorus electricus
  • Specialized
9.9

A large South American freshwater fish that can give strong electric shocks

is one species in the group, known for using shocks to hunt and defend

Surface Forms

Electrophorus electricus singular
Electrophorus electrici plural

Morphology

Electrophorus + electricus

This is a scientific binomial whose elements directly indicate an electric fish: 'Electrophorus' is defined as a genus of fish capable of electric shocks and the species epithet 'electricus' clearly signals electric properties. Even though it is a technical Latin name, a B1 learner who knows the constituent meanings can infer the referent (an electric eel-like fish), so the composition is transparent.

Etymology

Electrophorus electricus gets its name from old Greek and Latin words about electricity: the part electro- means 'electricity', -phorus means 'to carry', and the Latin electricus points to 'electric'. So the name creates a picture of an eel that makes electric shocks, which explains why this fish is famous for powerful shocks.