trunkfish

trunk·fish

[truhngk-fish]
noun, plural (especially collectively) trunk·fish (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) trunk·fish·es.
any plectognath fish of the family Ostraciontidae, of warm seas, having a boxlike body encased in bony, polygonal plates.
Also called boxfish.


Origin:
1795–1805; trunk + fish

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Collins
World English Dictionary
trunkfish (ˈtrʌŋkˌfɪʃ) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
n , pl -fish, -fishes
boxfish, Also called: cowfish any tropical plectognath fish of the family Ostraciidae, having the body encased in bony plates with openings for the fins, eyes, mouth, etc

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
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an extraordinary or unusual thing, person, or event; an exceptional example or instance.
a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.
Encyclopedia Britannica
Encyclopedia

trunkfish

any of a small group of shallow-water marine fishes of the family Ostraciontidae (or Ostraciidae), distinguished by a hard, boxlike, protective carapace covering most of the body. The alternative name cowfish refers to the hornlike projections on the heads of some species. The members of the family, found along the bottom in warm and tropical seas throughout the world, are considered good to eat and are often dried as curios.

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Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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