dog-salmon

A fisherman holds up a large dog-salmon he just caught.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A type of salmon: "dog-salmon" refers to a species of salmon, scientifically known as Oncorhynchus keta, also commonly called the chum salmon or keta salmon. It is characterized by its large size and the presence of dog-like teeth during spawning, which gives it its name.

Usage Examples

• (The chum salmon is a key catch for the fishing industry.)
• (The male chum salmon shows physical changes for reproduction.)

Advanced Usage

• "dog-salmon run": the seasonal migration of dog-salmon up rivers to spawn.

  • Every autumn, the dog-salmon run attracts many anglers to the river. (The annual migration brings fishermen to the area.)

• "dog-salmon roe": the eggs of the dog-salmon, often used in cuisine.

  • Dog-salmon roe is a prized ingredient in Japanese ikura. (The eggs are used as a topping for sushi.)

Variants and Related Words

• Chum salmon (n): another common name for the same species.

  • Chum salmon is often sold as canned salmon. (The same fish is marketed under a different name.)

• Keta salmon (n): a scientific or commercial term for dog-salmon.

  • Keta salmon is known for its firm flesh and mild flavour. (This term is used in trade.)

Synonyms

• Chum salmon: the most widely used synonym.
• Keta salmon: a synonym derived from its scientific name.
• Calico salmon: an older, less common synonym referring to its mottled colouration.

Related Idioms

• "Dog-salmon of the sea": a metaphorical phrase (rare) used to describe something that is abundant but undervalued.
  • He treated the old books like the dog-salmon of the sea, plentiful and cheap. (He saw them as common and unremarkable.)