moray

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun family of brightly colored voracious eels of warm coastal waters; generally nonaggressive to humans but larger species are dangerous if provoked

From Portuguese moreia, from Latin murēna (“sea eel, lamprey”), from Ancient Greek σμύραινα (smúraina), from σμύρος (smúros, “sea eel”).

Survey of the Province of Moray. Aberdeen, 1798. — Footsteps of Dr. Johnson (Scotland), George Birkbeck Norman Hill
I saw the Moray's silver star, And marked the sable pale of Mar.' — The Lady of the Lake, Walter Scott
2nd son of Col. Charles Moray, by the elder dau. and heir of Sir Wm. — The Waterloo Roll Call: With Biographical Notes and Anecdotes, Charles Dalton

moray eel

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