scalare

[ skuh-lair-ee, -lahr-ee ]

noun

1. any of three deep-bodied, cichlid fishes, Pterophyllum scalare, P. altum, and P. eimekei, inhabiting northern South American rivers, often kept in aquariums.

scalare

/ skəˈlɛərɪ /

noun

1. another name for angelfish

Word History and Origins

Origin of scalare¹

1925–30; < New Latin; Latin scālāre, neuter of scālāris scalar; from its ladderlike markings

Word History and Origins

Origin of scalare¹

C19: from Latin scālāris of a ladder, scalar , referring to the runglike pattern on its body