halibut
n. countablen. a large, flat fish that lives in deep, cold ocean water. It is often eaten as food and is known for its white meat.
n. a large, flat-bodied marine fish of the family Halibutidae, typically found in deep, cold waters. It is a highly valued food fish, often distinguished by its asymmetrical eyes which both face to the right.
We grilled a fresh halibut for dinner.
The deep-sea fishing crew spent the entire season targeting halibut in the North Atlantic.
While the halibut is prized for its firm, white flesh, its deep-sea habitat and slow reproductive cycle make it a species that requires careful management to prevent overfishing.
From Middle English *halibutt, equivalent to holy + but (“flatfish”), since the fish was often eaten on holy days. Cognate with Dutch heilbot, German Heiligbutt, Heilbutt, Heilbutte, Danish helleflynder, Swedish helgeflundra, and Norwegian Nynorsk hellefisk.