grouper

grou·per

noun \ˈgrü-pər\

plural groupers also grouper

Definition of GROUPER

: any of numerous fishes (family Serranidae and especially genera Epinephelus and Mycteroperca) that are typically large solitary bottom-dwelling fishes of warm seas and include important food fishes

Origin of GROUPER

Portuguese garoupa

First Known Use: 1671

Rhymes with GROUPER

blooper, cooper, Cowper, duper, hooper, looper, scooper, snooper, stupor, swooper, super, trooper, trouper, whooper

grouper

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any of numerous species of fishes (family Serranidae) widely distributed in warm seas, especially members of the genera Epinephelus and Mycteroperca. Groupers are characteristically large-mouthed, heavy-bodied fishes. Some species grow larger than 6 ft (about 2 m) long and heavier than 500 lb (225 kg). Groupers are usually dull green or brown; some species can change their colour pattern, and deepwater individuals may be much redder than nearshore ones. They are prime food fishes, though a few species carry a toxic substance in their flesh and can cause poisoning when consumed, and they provide sport for anglers and spearfishermen. See also jewfish; sea bass.