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View synonyms for carp

carp

1

[ kahrp ]

verb (used without object)

  1. to find fault or complain querulously or unreasonably; be niggling in criticizing; cavil:

    to carp at minor errors.

    Synonyms: censure, condemn, deprecate, criticize



noun

  1. a peevish complaint.

carp

2

[ kahrp ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) carp, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) carps.
  1. a large freshwater cyprinid fish, Cyprinus carpio, native to Asia but widely introduced in tropical and temperate waters: an important food fish in many countries.
  2. any of various other fishes of the family Cyprinidae.

-carp

3
  1. a combining form occurring in compounds that denote a part of a fruit or fruiting body:

    endocarp.

carp.

4

abbreviation for

  1. carpentry.

carp

1

/ kɑːp /

verb

  1. introften foll byat to complain or find fault; nag pettily


-carp

2

combining form

  1. (in botany) fruit or a reproductive structure that develops into a particular part of the fruit

    epicarp

carp

3

/ kɑːp /

noun

  1. a freshwater teleost food fish, Cyprinus carpio, having a body covered with cycloid scales, a naked head, one long dorsal fin, and two barbels on each side of the mouth: family Cyprinidae
  2. any other fish of the family Cyprinidae; a cyprinid

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Derived Forms

  • ˈcarper, noun

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Other Words From

  • carper noun

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Word History and Origins

Origin of carp1

1200–50; Middle English carpen to speak, prate < Old Norse karpa to brag, wrangle

Origin of carp2

1350–1400; Middle English carpe < Middle French < Middle Dutch or Middle Low German karpe; cognate with Old High German karpfo

Origin of carp3

< New Latin -carpium < Greek -karpion, derivative of karpós fruit

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Word History and Origins

Origin of carp1

C13: from Old Norse karpa to boast; related to Latin carpere to pluck

Origin of carp2

from New Latin -carpium, from Greek -karpion, from karpos fruit

Origin of carp3

C14: from Old French carpe, of Germanic origin; compare Old High German karpfo, Old Norse karfi

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Example Sentences

Grass carp are actually pretty territorial—I’ve stood for 45 minutes in a specific area because I was waiting for one particular fish that was really big.

A single, large carp can release hundreds of thousands of eggs at a time, she notes.

This includes some carp species that were introduced in the southern United States in the 1970s.

They fed eight mallard ducks thousands of fish eggs from two species of carp.

A single carp can release hundreds of thousands of eggs at a time, Vincze says.

Bringing in more revenue than most African governments is hardly reason to carp.

Made with roe from mullet, carp, cod, lobsters, or even crab, taramasalata—salty, creamy, bright, with little pops!

Instead, they gave Americans tax cuts, defense hikes, and middle class spending, leaving Democrats to carp about deficits.

I'm not enamored of a straight meat diet as a rule, but that evening I was in no mood to carp at anything half-way eatable.

He, for one, did not carp at Aunt Rachel's declaration that they were intended to spend time and eternity together.

A fountain tinkled and fat carp swam about in the fluted marble basin.

If it has humour, deplore its lack of thoughtfulness; if it is grave, carp at its lack of gaiety.

It would be idle to carp at any means when the end is so thoroughly good.

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