Fish

Definition

Fish refers to a limbless cold-blooded vertebrate animal with gills and fins, living wholly in water. It can also mean the activity of catching fish or refer to someone who engages in fishing.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fɪʃ/
• Respelling: fish

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /fɪʃ/
• Respelling: fish

Etymology

The word "fish" originates from Old English "fisc," derived from Proto-Germanic "*fiskaz," meaning "fish." It is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as Dutch "vis" and German "Fisch," retaining its biological and activity-related meanings.

Derivatives

• Fishing (noun/verb)
• Fishery (noun)
• Fishy (adjective)
• Fisherman (noun)
• Overfish (verb)

Synonyms

• Aquatic animal
• Marine life
• Catch

Antonyms

• None

Usage

The term "fish" is used in biological, culinary, and recreational contexts. For example, "He caught a fish in the lake," or "Fish is a healthy source of protein."

Related Terms

• Aquaculture: The farming of aquatic organisms.
• Fishing: The activity of catching fish for food or sport.
• Marine biology: The study of life in oceans and seas, including fish.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• An aquatic vertebrate animal: Typically cold-blooded, with gills and fins, living in freshwater or saltwater.
  • Example: "The coral reef is home to many colorful fish."
• The flesh of a fish as food: Refers to fish consumed as part of a diet.
  • Example: "Grilled fish is a popular dish in Mediterranean cuisine."

Verb

• To catch or try to catch fish: Refers to the activity of fishing, either for sport or livelihood.
  • Example: "They went to the river to fish for trout."
• To search for or attempt to obtain something: Used figuratively in contexts like gathering information or resources.
  • Example: "She was fishing for compliments during the conversation."