roach

¹roach

noun \ˈrōch\

plural roach also roach·es

Definition of ROACH

1

: a silver-green European freshwater cyprinid fish (Rutilus rutilus); also : any of various related fishes (as some shiners)

2

: any of several American freshwater sunfishes (family Centrarchidae)

Origin of ROACH

Middle English roche, from Anglo-French roche, rosse

First Known Use: 13th century

Rhymes with ROACH

broach, coach, loach, poach

²roach

noun

Definition of ROACH

1

: a curved cut in the edge of a sail to prevent chafing or to secure a better fit

2

: a roll of hair brushed straight back from the forehead or side of the head

Origin of ROACH

origin unknown

First Known Use: 1794

³roach

transitive verb

Definition of ROACH

1

: to cut (as a horse's mane) so that the remainder stands upright

2

: to cause to arch; specifically : to brush (the hair) in a roach —often used with up

First Known Use of ROACH

1818

⁴roach

noun

Definition of ROACH

1

: cockroach

2

: the butt of a marijuana cigarette

Origin of ROACH

by shortening

First Known Use: 1845

roach

noun \ˈrōch\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of ROACH

: cockroach

roach

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Common European sport fish (Rutilus rutilus) of the carp family (Cyprinidae), found in lakes and slow rivers. A high-backed, yellowish green fish with red eyes and reddish fins, the roach is 6–16 in. (15–40 cm) long and weighs up to 4.5 lbs (2 kg). It lives in small schools and eats plants, insects, and small animals. It is sometimes eaten or used as bait. In North America, other fishes are called roach, including the rudd, the golden shiner (both cyprinids), and several members of the sunfish family (Centrarchidae).