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

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

From The Count of Monte Cristo by Dumas père, Alexandre

The sondag and the sterlet, those choice fish of Southern Russia, garnished with aromatic herbs, betokened the vicinity of the sea.

From Travels in the Steppes of the Caspian Sea, the Crimea, the Caucasus, &c. by Hell, Xavier Hommaire de

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 Newnham-Davis, Lieut.-Col. (Nathaniel)

Here is a bream; there a lump of sterlet.

From The Talking Beasts by Wiggin, Kate Douglas Smith