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butterfishes

 - 2 dictionary results

but⋅ter⋅fish

  [buht-er-fish]
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–noun, plural (especially collectively) -fish⋅es, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) -fish.
1. a small, flattened, marine food fish, Peprilus triacanthus, of Atlantic coastal waters of the U.S., having very small scales and smooth skin.
2. the rock gunnel.
See under gunnel 1 .

Origin:
1665–75; butter + fish
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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but·ter·fish   (bŭt'ər-fĭsh')   
n.   pl. butterfish or but·ter·fish·es

  1. A marine food fish (Poronotus triacanthus) of the North American Atlantic coast, having a flattened body.

  2. Any of various similar or related fishes, such as the moonfish and gunnel.


[From its slippery mucous coating.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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