Makaira mitsukurii

9.9

A large Pacific fish with dark blue vertical stripes called the Pacific blue marlin

noun

Specialized

: Makaira mitsukurii

The Makaira mitsukurii is highly prized by sport fishers in the Pacific Ocean.

Examples

Marine biologists tracked the migration routes of Makaira mitsukurii to learn more about its behavior.
Several restaurants in Hawaii serve dishes featuring the firm, flavorful meat of Makaira mitsukurii.
The Makaira mitsukurii is renowned for its speed and agility.
Many anglers dream of catching a Makaira mitsukurii during their fishing trips.
Several restaurants in Hawaii serve dishes featuring the firm, flavorful meat of Makaira mitsukurii.
Marine biologists tracked the migration routes of Makaira mitsukurii to learn more about its behavior.
Many anglers dream of catching a Makaira mitsukurii during their fishing trips.

Surface Forms

Makaira mitsukurii singular

Makaira mitsukurii plural

Morphology

Makaira + mitsukurii

This is a taxonomic binomial combining the genus Makaira (a large fish) with a species epithet; a learner who knows the constituents would understand it denotes a particular species of Makaira (i.e., a kind of large fish). However, the specific identity and attributes (Pacific blue marlin, striping, game/food fish) are not derivable from the epithet alone, so the meaning is only partially predictable.

Etymology

Makaira mitsukurii may come from a Greek word and a person's name. Makaira comes from a Greek word meaning 'dagger', which makes a clear picture of the fish's long sharp bill, and mitsukurii probably honors a Japanese researcher named Mitsukuri, so the name points to this big Pacific marlin with a long dagger-like bill.