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numbfish

numbfish

9.9
A sea animal like a flat fish that lives on the sea floor and makes strong electric shocks
  • noun
  • /ˈnʌmfɪʃ/
  • Archaic
translation icon : rayo eléctrico
  • Many fishermen are familiar with the numbfish species.

Examples

  • A numbfish can stun its prey using powerful electric discharges.

  • Scientists studied the electric organs of the numbfish to understand how they generate shocks.

  • The diver carefully avoided the numbfish lying on the ocean floor.

  • The numbfish is often found in shallow waters.

  • The numbfish is known for its ability to deliver a strong electric shock when threatened.

  • During our dive, we spotted a numbfish resting on the ocean floor, its rounded body blending in with the sand.

  • The numbfish uses its electric organs to stun prey and protect itself from predators.

Synonyms

torpedo
vsnumbfish
1 9.6

A flat sea fish that makes strong electric shocks to catch prey

is broader and does not stress side placement of organs
electric ray
vsnumbfish
1 7.2

A flat sea fish with a rounded body that lives on the sea floor and gives strong electric shocks

is the same meaning but uses a different name
crampfish
vsnumbfish
  • Archaic
9.9

A sea animal with a round flat body that lives on the sea floor and gives electric shocks

is more about general description than precise organ placement

Surface Forms

numbfish singular
numbfishes plural

Morphology

numbfish = numb + fish (transparent) = numb + fish

A straightforward compound 'numb' + 'fish' meaning a fish that causes numbness (via electric discharge), which learners can infer from its parts.

Etymology

The word numbfish comes from numb ('without feeling') and fish. It is named for the ray's electric organs, which can stun or 'numb' prey on the sea floor, so the name explains the animal's ability to make things go numb.