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Glite Dictionary
clupeid

clupeid

9.8
A small sea fish like a herring or sardine that swims in large schools
  • noun
  • /ˈkluːpiːɪd/
  • Specialized
translation icon : clupeido
  • The ocean is home to many clupeids, such as herrings and sardines, which swim in shallow waters.

Examples

  • Clupeids are characteristically very numerous and form large, dense schools that enhance our ability to harvest them.

    Academic text (1991)

  • Many clupeids are, in turn, prey for various piscivorous predators through virtually their entire lives.

    Academic text (1991)

  • Many clupeids form large schools, making them easier for fishermen to catch.

  • During the summer, schools of clupeids can be seen near the surface of the sea.

Synonyms

clupeid fish
vsclupeid
  • Specialized
8.1

A small sea fish like herring or sardine that swims in large groups and is used for food

is the shorter adjectival form used without the noun

Compounds

clupeid fish
  • Specialized
8.1

A small sea fish like herring or sardine that swims in large groups and is used for food

Surface Forms

clupeid singular
clupeids plural

Morphology

clupeid = Clupeidae (opaque) = clupe + id

The term is a specialized scientific formation from the taxonomic name Clupeidae plus the biological suffix '-id' and is not derivable by an average learner from common English morphemes.

Etymology

The word clupeid comes from the Latin word clupea, which meant 'herring' and from clupeus meaning 'round shield', because these fish are flat and round like small shields. That's why clupeid is used for fishes like herrings and sardines that belong to the same family.