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stickleback

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noun stick·le·back \ ˈsti-kəl-ˌbak \

Definition of stickleback

plural sticklebacks also stickleback
:any of a family (Gasterosteidae) of small scaleless bony fishes having two or more free spines in front of the dorsal fin and including marine, anadromous, and freshwater forms

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Origin and Etymology of stickleback

Middle English stykylbak, from Old English sticel goad + Middle English bak back; akin to Old English stician to stick

STICKLEBACK Defined for Kids

stickleback

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noun stick·le·back \ ˈsti-kəl-ˌbak \

Definition of stickleback for Students

:a small scaleless fish with sharp spines on its back

Learn More about stickleback

  1. See words that rhyme with stickleback Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about stickleback

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