Definition

1. Noun:
   • A major food fish of Arctic and cold-temperate waters: "Codfish" refers to a type of large marine fish, especially of the genus Gadus, found in cold northern seas and valued as a food source.
   • The lean white flesh of this fish used as food: "Codfish" also denotes the edible meat from this fish, known for being mild-flavored and flaky.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (referring to the fish):
  • The fishermen caught several large codfish today.
  • Atlantic codfish populations have faced significant challenges due to overfishing.
• Noun (referring to the food):
  • For dinner, we had baked codfish with lemon and herbs.
  • Salt codfish is a staple ingredient in many traditional dishes.

Advanced Usage

• "Codfish aristocracy" (idiom, historical, chiefly US): A term used mockingly to describe newly wealthy people who lack traditional social standing or refinement.
  • In the 19th century, the so-called codfish aristocracy of New England were often looked down upon by old-money families.

Variants and Related Words

• Cod (n): The more common short form for "codfish."
  • The recipe calls for one pound of fresh cod.
• Codling (n): A young or small codfish.
• Cod fishery (n): The industry or activity of catching cod.

Synonyms

• Cod: The direct and most frequent synonym.
• Scrod (n): A young cod (or haddock) split and boned for cooking.

Related Phrases

• "To cod" (verb, informal, rare/archaic): To hoax or trick someone. (Note: This is a separate, informal verb derived from the noun, not a phrasal verb of "codfish").
  • He was just codding you; don't take it seriously.

Noun

1. major food fish of Arctic and cold-temperate waters
2. lean white flesh of important North Atlantic food fish; usually baked or poached