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sunfishes

 - 3 dictionary results

sun⋅fish

  [suhn-fish]
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–noun, plural (especially collectively) -fish, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) -fish⋅es.
1. the ocean sunfish, Mola mola.
2. any of various other fishes of the family Molidae.
3. any of several small, brightly colored, spiny-rayed freshwater fishes of the genus Lepomis, of North America, having a deep, compressed body.
Origin:
1620–30; sun + fish
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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sun·fish   (sŭn'fĭsh')   
n.   pl. sunfish or sun·fish·es

  1. Any of various small North American percoid freshwater fishes of the family Centrarchidae, having laterally compressed, often brightly colored bodies and including the crappies, black bass, bluegill, and pumpkinseed.

  2. Any of several large marine fishes of the family Molidae, especially the ocean sunfish.


[From its roundish body and bright colors.]
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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Word Origin & History

sunfish 
1629, from sun (n.) + fish. Used of various species, with ref. to round shape or brilliant appearance. Short form sunny is attested from 1835.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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