bichir

[ bich-er ]

noun

1. any of several primitive freshwater African fishes of the genus Polypterus having functional lungs as well as gills.

Word History and Origins

Origin of bichir¹

Probably earlier than 1965–70; < French < dialectal Arabic abu shīr

Example Sentences

A few present-day fish, such as the ornate bichir, retain openings called spiracles on the top of their skulls that allow them to breathe in air as well as water.

From Popular-Science

Bichir manages to be gruff but sensitive, honest yet mysterious, making Ruiz a mix of righteousness and compassion.

From The Daily Beast

The surprise has left many with the same question on their lips—who the hell is Demian Bichir?

From The Daily Beast

As Bichir put it, his tearjerker role is just the sort that actors “die” for.

From The Daily Beast

In an interview with Fox News Latino, Bichir explains his motivation to be part of the film was not a political one.

From The Daily Beast

For Bichir, the film was not only a story about immigration, but rather a narrative of the love of a father for his son.

From The Daily Beast

Of these the only one known until very recently was Polypterus bichir of the Nile.

From Project Gutenberg