trunkfish

noun

trunk·​fish ˈtrəŋk-ˌfish How to pronounce trunkfish (audio)
: any of numerous small often bright colored bony fishes (family Ostraciidae) of tropical seas with the body and head enclosed in a bony carapace

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web The second species was Rhinesomus triqueter, the smooth trunkfish. Elizabeth Preston, Discover Magazine, 9 Jan. 2015 The app also includes a nearly 500 million-year-old sea creature called an Aegirocassis, a trunkfish, a shark, and several more—most of which are also viewable as 3D models on one of Google's websites. Samuel Axon, Ars Technica, 25 Aug. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'trunkfish.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1804, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trunkfish was circa 1804

Dictionary Entries Near trunkfish

Cite this Entry

“Trunkfish.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trunkfish. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.

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