piranha
n. countablen. a small, fast fish with sharp teeth that lives in rivers in South America. People often think they are very dangerous, but they usually only eat small fish and insects.
n. a small, predatory freshwater fish of the family Serrasalmidae, native to South America. Characterised by a streamlined body and sharp, triangular teeth.
The piranha swims quickly through the river.
While often portrayed as a dangerous predator, the piranha primarily feeds on small fish and plant matter in the Amazon.
The presence of the piranha in the local ecosystem helps control the population of smaller fish, maintaining a delicate balance within the river's food chain.
First attested in 1869. The term entered English either via Portuguese piranha or Spanish piraña, from Old Tupi pirãîa.