electric eel
/i'lektrik'i:l/
Definition
- Noun:
- A type of eel-shaped freshwater fish: The "electric eel" is a long, snake-like fish that lives in the fresh waters of South America. It is known for the specialized electric organs in its body, which it uses to generate powerful electric shocks.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The electric eel can produce a shock strong enough to stun its prey.
- Scientists study the electric eel to understand bioelectricity.
- We saw an electric eel at the aquarium.
Advanced Usage
- "like an electric eel": Used metaphorically to describe something or someone that delivers a sudden, sharp, or surprising impact.
- His criticism hit me like an electric eel, completely unexpected and jarring.
Variants and Related Words
- Electrophorus electricus: The scientific name for the electric eel.
- Knifefish: A broader family of fish (Gymnotidae) to which the electric eel is related; many knifefish also have weak electric organs for navigation.
Synonyms
- Electrophorus (scientific context)
Notes on Meaning
- Despite its common name, the electric eel is not a true eel. It is a type of knifefish. Its name comes from its eel-like appearance.
- Its primary meanings are:
- The literal biological organism.
- A symbol or metaphor for a powerful, shocking force.
Noun
-
eel-shaped freshwater fish of South America having electric organs in its body
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