blenny
[blen-ee]
- any of several fishes of the family Blenniidae and related families, especially of the genus Blennius, having a long, tapering body and small pelvic fins inserted before the pectoral fins.
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Origin of blenny
1745–55; < Latin blennius a kind of fish < Greek blénnos slime, mucus; so called from its slimy coating
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for blenny
Historical Examples
The Blenny could be seen, though she had ceased firing, gliding on towards them.
The Three MidshipmenW.H.G. Kingston
Hitherto the crew of the Blenny were not aware that their powder was exhausted.
The Three MidshipmenW.H.G. Kingston
The fact is, Hemming has got command of the Blenny, and I applied and got appointed to her.
The Three MidshipmenW.H.G. Kingston
“She is the Blenny, there is no doubt about it,” cried Jack.
The Three MidshipmenW.H.G. Kingston
Rouse up, Blenny dear, and tell me about these notes of invitation for our dinner-party.
The Dogs' Dinner PartyUnknown
blenny
- any blennioid fish of the family Blenniidae of coastal waters, esp of the genus Blennius, having a tapering scaleless body, a long dorsal fin, and long raylike pelvic fins
- any of various related fishes
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Word Origin
C18: from Latin blennius, from Greek blennos slime; from the mucus that coats its body
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for blenny
n.
1774, from Latin blennius (in Pliny), from Greek blennos, from blenna "slime, mucus," from PIE *mled-sno-, from root *mel- "soft." The fish so called from the coating on its scales.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper