driftfish

9.9

A fish that lives in warm ocean water near floating objects like jellyfish for protection

noun
/ˈdrɪftˌfɪʃ/

Specialized

: pez mantequilla

The marine biologist collected a rare driftfish specimen during the survey expedition.

Examples

Many driftfishes are known to associate with jellyfish for protection and food.
The driftfish is known for its delicate flavor.
A single driftfish was swimming near the floating debris in the open ocean.
Many chefs prefer using driftfish in their recipes.
The driftfish is often caught by fishermen targeting shallow reefs.
In the warm Caribbean waters, driftfish can be found swimming near the surface.
Many restaurants offer dishes featuring driftfish as a delicacy in seafood cuisine.

Synonyms

butterfish

vsdriftfish

1 6.7

A small flat sea fish with soft flesh often eaten

is a narrower kind within that family differing by species and area

Psenes

vsdriftfish

Specialized

9.9

A small sea fish in warm seas that drifts with floating seaweed

is the broader common type rather than a single scientific genus

harvestfish

vsdriftfish

9.9

A small Atlantic sea fish like a butterfish up to a foot long

is a general type varying in size and location across tropical and Atlantic waters

dollarfish

vsdriftfish

9.9

A small silvery flat fish like a butterfish that lives near the coast

is the specific tropical and Atlantic variety rather than a general similar fish

Surface Forms

driftfish singular

driftfishes plural

Morphology

driftfish = drift + fish (transparent) = drift + fish

This is a straightforward noun–noun compound naming a type of fish associated with drifting; learners can infer the meaning from the components.

Etymology

The word driftfish combines two simple English parts, drift and fish. Drift means 'to be carried by water or wind', so a driftfish is a fish that often 'drifts' with floating debris or jellyfish in the open ocean.