sterlet

American  

[stur-lit] / ˈstɜr lɪt /

noun

1. a small sturgeon, Acipenser ruthenus, of the Black and Caspian seas, valued as a source of caviar.

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sterlet British  

/ ˈstɜːlɪt /

noun

1. a small sturgeon, Acipenser ruthenus, of seas and rivers in N Asia and E Europe: used as a food fish and a source of caviar

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Etymology

Origin of sterlet

1585–95; < Russian stérlyad', Old Russian sterlyagi (plural) < German Störling a small sturgeon, equivalent to Stör sturgeon ( Middle High German stör ( e ), stür ( e ), Old High German stur ( i ) o; cf. sturgeon) + -ling -ling ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

sterlet

In Europe, there are four remaining sturgeon species, including Beluga, Russian, stellate, and sterlet, that are capable of producing caviar.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 20, 2023

We made acquaintance with some of his democratic manners during a truly unique picnic, arranged by our charming hosts expressly to convince us that the famous sterlet merited its reputation.

From Russian Rambles by Isabel Florence Hapgood

The sterlet is expensive in regions where the cook-book flourishes, and the other fish are merely a cheat of town economy.

From Russian Rambles by Isabel Florence Hapgood

The sturgeon of course comes into the menu of many Russian dinners, and also the sterlet, cooked in white wine and served with shrimp sauce.

From The Gourmet's Guide to Europe by Lieut.-Col. (Nathaniel) Newnham-Davis

"This one is, I think, a sterlet," said Chateau-Renaud.

From The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas père