Definition

1. Noun:
   • A large species of Pacific salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) highly valued as a food fish: This is the primary meaning, referring to the fish itself. It is the largest of the Pacific salmon species.
   • The edible pink or white flesh of this fish: This meaning refers specifically to the meat of the king salmon, used as food.

Usage Examples

• Noun (referring to the fish):
  • The angler proudly displayed the massive king salmon he caught in the river.
  • King salmon return to their natal streams to spawn.
• Noun (referring to the meat):
  • For dinner, we grilled a fillet of king salmon with lemon and herbs.
  • The market sells fresh king salmon at a premium price.

Advanced Usage

• "Chinook salmon": This is a common alternative name for king salmon, often used in biological or regional contexts.
  • The Chinook salmon is a keystone species in this ecosystem.
• In commercial and culinary contexts, the term is used to denote a high-quality product.
  • The menu featured Alaskan king salmon as the chef's special.

Variants and Related Words

• Chinook (salmon): A direct synonym for king salmon.
• Tyee: A term used in the Pacific Northwest, particularly for a very large king salmon.
• Spring salmon: Another regional name used in parts of Canada.

Synonyms

• Chinook salmon: The most common scientific and alternative common name.
• Tyee (especially for large specimens).
• Spring salmon.

Notes on Meaning

The term king salmon specifically denotes one species. It should not be confused with general references to "salmon," which include other species like sockeye, coho, or Atlantic salmon. Its two core meanings are intrinsically linked: the first is the living animal, and the second is the culinary product derived from it.

Noun

1. large Pacific salmon valued as food; adults die after spawning
2. pink or white flesh of large Pacific salmon