snipefish

American  

[snahyp-fish] / ˈsnaɪpˌfɪʃ /

noun

plural

snipefish,

plural

snipefishes

1. any of several fishes of the family Macrorhamphosidae, of tropical and temperate seas, having a long, tubular snout and a compressed body.

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snipefish British  

/ ˈsnaɪpˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. Also called: bellows fish.  any teleost fish of the family Macrorhamphosidae, of tropical and temperate seas, having a deep body, long snout, and a single long dorsal fin: order Solenichthyes (sea horses, etc)

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Etymology

Origin of snipefish

First recorded in 1660–70; snipe + fish

Example Sentences

Although it begins with an account of Beebe's sensational discovery that there are snipefish on both the east and west coasts of the U. S.�a discovery whose exact scientific importance escapes the lay reader�it quickly gives way to discussions of Mr. Beebe's first deep-sea fishing, a comparison of the flight of pelicans and cormorants, a spirited defense of vultures and well-chosen excerpts from the works of other naturalists.

From Time Magazine Archive