swordfish

sword·fish

noun \ˈsȯrd-ˌfish\

: a very large fish that lives in the ocean, that has a long, pointed upper jaw which looks like a sword, and that is eaten as food

Full Definition of SWORDFISH

:  a very large scombroid fish (Xiphias gladius of the family Xiphiidae) that has a long swordlike beak formed by the bones of the upper jaw and is an important food and game fish

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Illustration of SWORDFISH

First Known Use of SWORDFISH

15th century

Rhymes with SWORDFISH

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swordfish

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Species (Xiphias gladius) of prized food and game fish, found in warm and temperate oceans worldwide. A slender, scaleless fish, it has a tall dorsal fin and a long extension of the snout, used for slashing at prey. The “sword” is flat, rather than rounded as in marlins. The swordfish is also distinguished by its lack of teeth and pelvic fins. It is purplish or bluish above, silvery below, and grows as large as 15 ft (4.5 m) and 1,000 lb (450 kg). Though a popular food fish, it may have dangerous levels of mercury concentrated in its flesh.