prickleback

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun small elongate fishes of shallow northern seas; a long dorsal fin consists entirely of spines
  2. noun small (2-4 inches) pugnacious mostly scaleless spiny-backed fishes of northern fresh and littoral waters having elaborate courtship; subjects of much research

Etymology

From prickle + back.

In classic literature

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