swordfish

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

noun flesh of swordfish usually served as steaks
noun large toothless marine food fish with a long swordlike upper jaw; not completely cold-blooded i.e. they are able to warm their brains and eyes: worldwide in warm waters but feed on cold ocean floor coming to surface at night

From Middle English swerdfysche, from Old English *sweordfisċ. Equivalent to sword + fish.

And the swordfish will founder the life-boats. — Changeling, and Other Stories, Donn Byrne
Old Diego and young Diego play swordfish--we scuttle the steamer, see?" — The Treasure of Pearls: A Romance of Adventures in California, Gustave Aimard
One of the most exciting was this encounter with a swordfish, which he relates in a delightful manner. — Story Hour Readings: Seventh Year, E. C. (Ernest Clark) Hartwell

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