Definition

1. Noun:
   • A very large species of tuna (Thunnus thynnus): "bluefin" refers to the largest tuna species, which can weigh up to 1,500 pounds. It is found primarily in temperate oceans, migrating to feed in colder polar regions and breed in warmer tropical waters.
   • The flesh of this fish used as food: "bluefin" also denotes the meat, prized especially for sushi and sashimi, from this very large tuna.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Referring to the fish):
  • Conservationists are concerned about the declining population of the Atlantic bluefin.
  • The bluefin is a powerful, fast-swimming predator of the open ocean.
• Noun (Referring to the meat):
  • The restaurant serves an exquisite bluefin tuna tartare.
  • This slice of sashimi is from a Pacific bluefin.

Advanced Usage

• "Bluefin tuna": This is the full, most common name for the fish, often used to specify the type.
  • Strict quotas have been placed on the fishing of bluefin tuna.

Variants and Related Words

• Bluefin tuna (n): The complete common name for the species.
• Northern bluefin tuna (n): Another name for the Atlantic bluefin ().
• Southern bluefin tuna (n): A related but distinct species ().

Synonyms

• Giant tuna: Emphasizes the large size.
• Tunny (archaic): An old term for tuna, sometimes applied to bluefin.

Related Phrases

• Bluefin fishery: Refers to the industry and practice of catching bluefin tuna.
  • The sustainability of the bluefin fishery is under debate.

Noun

1. largest tuna; to 1500 pounds; of mostly temperate seas: feed in polar regions but breed in tropics
2. flesh of very large tuna