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Glite Dictionary
lancet fish

lancet fish

9.9
A large, long ocean fish with no scales, sharp teeth, and a long fin on its back
  • noun
translation icon : pez lanceta
  • The lancet fish uses its sharp teeth to catch squid and smaller fish.

Examples

  • The lancet fish is rarely seen near shore, as it prefers the open ocean.

  • The large, predatory lancet fish is known for its impressive dorsal fin and sharp teeth, making it a formidable hunter.

  • A sudden appearance of a lancet fish surprised the scientists during their deep-sea expedition.

  • The lancet fish is known for its sharp teeth.

  • Many divers have spotted the lancet fish in the ocean.

  • During their research, the team observed a magnificent lancet fish gliding gracefully through the deep blue waters.

  • While exploring the depths of the ocean, the divers came across a vibrant lancet fish hunting for prey among the coral.

Synonyms

lancetfish
vslancet fish
9.9

A large long sea fish with sharp teeth, a sail-like fin, and no scales

is the two-word form rather than the single-word spelling
Alepisaurus
vslancet fish
  • Specialized
9.9

A long thin deep-sea fish with sharp teeth

is the common group name for the species in general

Surface Forms

lancet fish singular
lancet fishes plural

Morphology

lancet + fish

The compound is a shape/descriptor + fish construction: if a learner knows 'lancet' (a small pointed blade or lance-like shape) they can infer a fish that is long, pointed, or blade-like. Such animal names are compositionally descriptive and therefore predictable, though 'lancet' itself is rare and may be unfamiliar to many B1 learners.

Etymology

Lancet fish may get its name from the fish's sharp, thin shape. The word lancet means a small, pointed 'knife', so people used it for this long, knife-like fish with sharp teeth.