Word
barracuda
Phoneticsbar·racu·da
US/ˌbɛɹəˈkudə/
UK/bˌæɹɐkjˈuːdɐ/
Definition
n. a large, fast fish with sharp teeth that lives in warm seas. It is known for being a powerful hunter that moves quickly to catch its prey.
n. a large, predatory fish of the family Sphyraenidae, characterized by a streamlined body and a mouth full of sharp, fang-like teeth. Often associated with warm tropical and subtropical waters.
Examples
“The barracuda swims quickly through the coral reef.”
“Divers were warned to stay close to the boat because a large barracuda was seen circling the perimeter.”
“The barracuda's translucent skin allows it to blend into the sunlight, making it a nearly invisible predator as it strikes with lightning speed to capture smaller fish.”
Examples
simple
“The barracuda swims quickly through the coral reef.”
contextual
“Divers were warned to stay close to the boat because a large barracuda was seen circling the perimeter.”
complex
“The barracuda's translucent skin allows it to blend into the sunlight, making it a nearly invisible predator as it strikes with lightning speed to capture smaller fish.”
Etymology
First attested in the 1670s, from Latin American Spanish barracuda, perhaps from a Cariban word.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.