leerfish

noun

leer·​fish ˈlir-ˌfish How to pronounce leerfish (audio)
variants or less commonly leervis
: a large, vigorous marine fish (Lichia amia of the family Carangidae) that is valued as a sport fish, is bluish-gray to brown above and silvery-white below, may reach a length of over six feet (1.8 meters) but is typically smaller, and is found especially in coastal waters off western and eastern Africa and in the Mediterranean Sea

called also garrick

Word History

Etymology

leerfish partial translation of Afrikaans leervis, from leer leather + vis fish; leervis from Afrikaans

First Known Use

1843, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of leerfish was in 1843

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!

Dictionary Entries Near leerfish

Cite this Entry

“Leerfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/leerfish. Accessed 23 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!