topminnow

[ top-min-oh ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) top·min·now, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) top·min·nows.

1. any of several small, surface-swimming fishes of the egg-laying family Cyprinodontidae and the live-bearing family Poeciliidae, some of which are used in mosquito control.

topminnow

/ ˈtɒpˌmɪnəʊ /

noun

1. any of various small American freshwater cyprinodont fishes that are either viviparous (genera Heterandria, Gambusia, etc) or egg-laying (genus Fundulus )

Word History and Origins

Origin of topminnow¹

An Americanism dating back to 1880–85; top ¹ + minnow

Word History and Origins

Origin of topminnow¹

from top ¹+ minnow ; so called because they are small and swim near the surface of the water