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

I remember one particularly delicious concoction was composed of fresh sterlet and sour cabbage, with white grapes on top, baked to a brown crispness.

From Russian Rambles by Hapgood, Isabel Florence

The brother and sister then said farewell, the Tsarevich Ivan sat him on the sturgeon and sped away, and the sterlet went on before to show the way.

From Russian Fairy Tales From the Skazki of Polevoi by Bain, R. Nisbet (Robert Nisbet)

I have sometimes, when living as an honoured guest in a rich merchant's house, found it difficult to obtain anything simpler than sterlet, sturgeon, and champagne.

From Russia by Wallace, Donald Mackenzie, Sir

They swear by him, they offer him to you as they would a dish of choice sterlet.

From War and Peace by Tolstoy, Leo, graf