tuna

¹

[too-nuh, tyoo-]

noun

plural

tuna ,

plural

tunas .

1. any of several large food and game fishes of the family Scombridae, inhabiting temperate and tropical seas.

2. any of various related fishes.

3. Also called tuna fish. the flesh of the tuna, used as food.

tuna

²

[too-nuh, tyoo-]

noun

1. any of various prickly pears, prickly pears, especially either of two erect, treelike species, Opuntia tuna or O. ficus-indica, of Mexico, bearing a sweet, edible fruit.

2. the fruit of these plants.

tuna

¹

/ ˈtjuːnə /

noun

1. Also called: tunny. any of various large marine spiny-finned fishes of the genus Thunnus , esp T. thynnus , chiefly of warm waters: family Scombridae . They have a spindle-shaped body and widely forked tail, and are important food fishes

2. any of various similar and related fishes

tuna

²

/ ˈtjuːnə /

noun

1. any of various tropical American prickly pear cacti, esp Opuntia tuna , that are cultivated for their sweet edible fruits

2. the fruit of any of these cacti

Word History and Origins

Origin of tuna¹

An Americanism first recorded in 1880–85; from Spanish (California), variant of Spanish atún, from Arabic al “the” + tūn, from Greek thýnnos tunny

Origin of tuna²

First recorded in 1545–55; from Spanish, from Taíno

Word History and Origins

Origin of tuna¹

C20: from American Spanish, from Spanish atún , from Arabic tūn , from Latin thunnus tunny, from Greek

Origin of tuna²

C16: via Spanish from Taino

Example Sentences

British digital bank Shawbrook on Monday shared plans to IPO in London, and Prices Group—a canned tuna company—said last week it was planning to list in London as well.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The spicy tuna rolls, redolent of cooked fish blended with sriracha and mayonnaise, are a popular lunch offering among students.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Lincoln Park also offers one of the best midday deals in the city: a $38 lunch tasting menu with edamame, spicy tuna crispy rice, sashimi and nigiri, a scallop hand roll, and more.

Read more on Salon

The recall announcement, issued by the wholesaler on Sept. 20, specifically concerns 3,314.7 pounds of tuna poke with Costco Item Number 17193 and a sell-by date of Sept. 22.

Read more on Salon

The omakase tower offers a selection of sushi, tuna tartare, spicy tuna crispy rice, sashimi, and rolls — perfect for those who enjoy heavily sauced sushi.

Read more on Salon