silurid

9.9

A freshwater catfish from Asia and Africa with no scales and a long fin under its body near the tail

noun
/ˈsɪlʊrɪd/

Specialized

: silúrido

Unlike other catfish, the silurid lacks scales on its skin.

Examples

The river is home to several species of silurid found only in Asia.
A scientist examined the unusual anal fin structure of the silurid specimen.
Look at that silurid swimming gracefully!
The silurid fish is known for its unique appearance.
The scientist examined the unusual anal fin structure of the silurid specimen.
The river is home to several species of silurid found only in Asia.
Unlike other catfish, the silurid lacks scales on its skin.

Synonyms

silurid fish

vssilurid

Specialized

9.9

Freshwater catfish from Europe, Africa, and Asia with smooth skin and a long fin joining the tail

uses a single-word technical label for the same member

Compounds

silurid fish

Specialized

9.9

Freshwater catfish from Europe, Africa, and Asia with smooth skin and a long fin joining the tail

Surface Forms

silurid singular

silurids plural

Morphology

silurid = Siluridae (opaque) = silur + id

The word is a specialized taxonomic formation meaning 'a member of the family Siluridae'; this scientific suffix and base are not derivable by an average learner from everyday vocabulary.

Etymology

Silurid comes from the scientific name Silurus for certain freshwater 'catfish', and the ending -id means 'a member of a group'. So a silurid is a member of that catfish family, usually with smooth skin without scales and a long fin near the tail.