mojarra

American  

[moh-hahr-uh] / moʊˈhɑr ə /

noun

1. any of several chiefly tropical, silvery fishes of the family Gerridae, having a protrusible mouth and grooves at the bases of the dorsal and anal fins into which the fins can be folded.

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Etymology

Origin of mojarra

< Spanish: literally, point of a lance < Arabic muḥarrab pointed, sharp, past participle of ḥarrab to sharpen

Example Sentences

In addition to chuletas adobada, Rojas’ stand sells envueltas — either meat or vegetables wrapped in egg batter — fried mojarra fish and fresh tortillas.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 23, 2023

A woman selling pozole and fried mojarra outside a storefront offering Zumba classes reported that a street lamp had gone out nearby, and she was worried about safety.

From New York Times • Oct. 20, 2022

Tilapia, mojarra, carp and little silvery charales were buried in pits with lime to combat the potent stench of rotting fish.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 22, 2021

The second was the mojarra, a whole tilapia, which arrived nicely scored and fried but was overcooked, and had a moldy aroma and flavor that rendered it inedible.

From New York Times • Nov. 18, 2012