Main Entry: pi·ra·nha

Pronunciation: \pə-ˈrä-nə; -ˈrän-yə, -ˈran-\

Function: noun

Etymology: Portuguese, from Tupi pirã́ja, pirã́nʸa, from pirá fish + ã́ja, ã́nʸa tooth

Date: 1861

: any of various usually small South American characin fishes (genera Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus) that have very sharp teeth, often appear in schools, and include some that may attack and inflict dangerous wounds upon humans and large animals —called also caribe