fortescue
noun
for·tes·cue
\ˈfȯrtəˌskyü\
variants: less commonly
fortescure
\-yu̇r\ orfortesque
\-yü\Definition of fortescue
-s
: an Australian scorpion fish (Centropogon australis) having along the back venomous erectile spines capable of inflicting painful wounds —called also forty-skewer, scorpion
Indulge Your Inner Word Nerd
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
Origin and Etymology of fortescue
alteration (influenced by the proper name Fortescue) of forty-skewer
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up fortescue? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!