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Glite Dictionary
viperfish

viperfish

1 9.9
A deep-sea fish with long sharp teeth and a glowing light to attract prey
  • noun
  • /ˈvaɪpərˌfɪʃ/
: pez víbora
  • A viperfish can open its mouth wide to catch prey much larger than itself.

Examples

  • The viperfish is known for its terrifying appearance.

  • The viperfish is famous for its needle-like teeth and ability to live in the ocean's depths.

  • Scientists study the viperfish to learn how it uses bioluminescence to hunt in darkness.

  • Many viperfishes inhabit the deep ocean.

  • The viperfish uses its light-producing organ to attract smaller fish in the dark depths of the ocean.

  • With its long, sharp teeth, the viperfish is a formidable predator in the deep sea.

  • Aquarium enthusiasts often marvel at the unique appearance of the viperfish with its bioluminescent features.

Surface Forms

viperfish singular
viperfishes plural

Morphology

viperfish = viper + fish (transparent) = viper + fish

A straightforward noun+noun compound: 'viper' + 'fish' denotes a fish named for its resemblance to a viper, so learners who know both base words can infer the general idea.

Etymology

The word viperfish comes from viper, which means 'a kind of snake', and fish. Its long, sharp teeth look like a snake's fangs and it uses a light to attract prey in the deep dark sea, so the name fits this strange deep-sea hunter.