Word Study
swordfish
CIDE DICTIONARY
swordfish, n.
- A very large oceanic fish (
Xiphias gladius ), the only representative of the familyXiphiidæ . It is highly valued as a food fish. The bones of the upper jaw are consolidated, and form a long, rigid, swordlike beak; the dorsal fin is high and without distinct spines; the ventral fins are absent. The adult is destitute of teeth. It becomes sixteen feet or more long. [1913 Webster] - A southern constellation. See Dorado, 1. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
swordfish, n. a large marine fish, Xiphias gladius, with an extended swordlike upper jaw.
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