sword-fish

Definition

Noun: A large, predatory marine fish (genus Xiphias gladius) with a long, sword-like projection from its upper jaw, used for slashing prey.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The chef prepared grilled swordfish for dinner. (The fish with a sword-like bill was cooked.)
  • Swordfish can grow up to 4.5 meters in length. (The large predatory fish reaches significant size.)

Advanced Usage

• "Swordfish steak": a thick cut of the fish's flesh, often sold as a food item.

  • I ordered a swordfish steak with lemon butter sauce. (A portion of the fish's meat is served.)

• "Swordfish bill": the elongated, flattened upper jaw of the fish.

  • The swordfish bill can be used as a weapon against prey. (The sword-like projection is functional.)

Variants and Related Words

• Swordfish (n, alternative spelling): the same fish; "sword-fish" is a less common hyphenated variant.
  • Swordfish are found in tropical and temperate oceans. (The fish species is widely distributed.)

Synonyms

• Broadbill: another name for the swordfish, referring to its wide, flat bill.
  • The broadbill is known for its speed. (The swordfish is fast.)

Related Idioms

• "Swordfish" (as a codeword): used in popular culture (e.g., the movie ) as a password or secret term.
  • He said "swordfish" to enter the secure room. (The word was a password, not the fish.)