flatfish

American  

[flat-fish] / ˈflætˌfɪʃ /

noun

flatfishes plural

1. any fish of the order Heterosomata (Pleuronectiformes), including the halibut, sole, flounder, etc., having a greatly compressed body and swimming on one side, with both eyes on the upper side in the adult.

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flatfish British  

/ ˈflætˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. any marine spiny-finned fish of the order Heterosomata , including the halibut, plaice, turbot, and sole, all of which (when adult) swim along the sea floor on one side of the body, which is highly compressed and has both eyes on the uppermost side

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Other Word Forms

Inflected Forms

noun

• flatfishes
  plural
• flatfish
  plural

Etymology

Origin of flatfish

First recorded in 1700–10; flat ¹ + fish

Example Sentences

But other fish — such as Arctic cod, capelin and flatfish — evolved to thrive in this environment, with the cold pool serving as a protective barrier.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 17, 2021

A federal fishery council vote Monday set the stage for cuts of between 25% and 35% in the incidental take of halibut by a largely Washington-based trawl fleet that targets yellowfin sole and other flatfish.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 13, 2021

The region is also known as a playground for aquatic species such as worms, flatfish and shellfish, and as a home or resting spot for dozens of species of birds.

From Washington Post • Aug. 12, 2021

Fluke often is confused with flounder, another bottom-dwelling flatfish, and there is not too much of a culinary difference between the two.

From Washington Times • Mar. 17, 2018

You don't suppose," said Tuppy, with rising vehemence, "that I would have exposed this dashed synthetic shark for the flatfish it undoubtedly was if there had not been causes that led up to it.

From Right Ho, Jeeves by Wodehouse, P. G. (Pelham Grenville)