Definition

Noun 1. A species of freshwater fish: A variety of black bass (Micropterus dolomieu) native to North America, characterized by its jaw not extending beyond the rear margin of the eye. 2. The flesh of this fish as food: The meat of the smallmouth bass, considered a game fish and used for food.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Fish):
  • The angler was thrilled to catch a large smallmouth bass from the clear, rocky stream.
  • Smallmouth bass prefer cooler, clearer water with rocky or gravel bottoms.
• Noun (Food):
  • For dinner, we had grilled smallmouth bass with lemon and herbs.
  • The firm, white flesh of the smallmouth bass is excellent for pan-frying.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used in contrast to its relative, the largemouth bass. The key distinguishing feature is that in a smallmouth bass, the upper jaw does not extend past the eye, whereas in a largemouth bass, it does.
• Commonly referred to by anglers simply as "smallmouth" or "bronzeback" (due to its coloration).

Variants and Related Words

• Smallmouth (n.): A common shortened form of "smallmouth bass."
• Bronzeback (n.): A colloquial nickname for the smallmouth bass.
• Black bass (n.): The genus () to which the smallmouth bass belongs, which also includes the largemouth bass and spotted bass.

Synonyms

• Smallmouth (n.)
• Bronzeback (n., informal)

Related Phrases

• To catch a smallmouth: A common phrasing among anglers.
  • He traveled north to catch a trophy smallmouth.
• Smallmouth fishing: The activity of angling for this specific fish.
  • This river is famous for excellent smallmouth fishing.

Noun

1. a variety of black bass; the angle of the jaw falls below the eye
2. flesh of smallmouth bass