haddock

had·dock

noun \ˈha-dək\

plural haddock also haddocks

Definition of HADDOCK

: an important food fish (Melanogrammus aeglefinus syn. Gadus aeglefinus) of the cod family occurring on both sides of the North Atlantic that has a black lateral line and dark patch above the pectoral fin

Origin of HADDOCK

Middle English haddok

First Known Use: 14th century

Rhymes with HADDOCK

Braddock, paddock, shaddock

haddock

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Haddock (Melanogrammus aeglefinus)—Painting by Jean Helmer

Valuable North American food fish (Melanogrammus aeglefinus, family Gadidae). A bottom-dweller that feeds on invertebrates and fishes, it resembles the cod, with its chin barbel (fleshy feeler) and two anal and three dorsal fins, but is distinguished by a dark (rather than light) lateral line and a distinctive dark spot on each shoulder. It is gray or brownish above, paler below. It grows to about 3 ft (90 cm) long and 25 lbs (11 kg).