turbot

[tur-buh t]

noun, plural (especially collectively) tur·bot, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) tur·bots.

a European flatfish, Psetta maxima, having a diamond-shaped body: valued as a food fish.

any of several other flatfishes.

a triggerfish.

Origin of turbot

1250–1300; Middle English turbut < Anglo-French; Old French tourbot < Medieval Latin turb(ō) turbot (Latin: top; apparently applied to the fish because of its outline; see turbine, turbit) + Old French -ot noun suffix

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for turbot

Contemporary Examples of turbot

The white truffle and egg are one of my favorite combinations, as well as turbot being one of my favorite fish.
Fresh Picks
Markus Glocker
July 6, 2010

Historical Examples of turbot

Can't let you have that turbot, sir, till I hear from Mr. Dunn.
Davenport Dunn, Volume 1 (of 2)
Charles James Lever
He takes as the typical vertebra that of a Pleuronectid, probably the turbot.
Form and Function
E. S. (Edward Stuart) Russell
It is told of the people of Amerdloq that they catch nothing but turbot.
Eskimo Folktales
Unknown
Very small hooks must be used for the turbot, as it has a very small mouth.
Bass, Pike, Perch, and Others
James Alexander Henshall
The remains may be dressed la crme, as directed for the turbot (No. 54).
The Gastronomic Regenerator:
Alexis Soyer

British Dictionary definitions for turbot

turbot

noun plural -bot or -bots

a European flatfish, Scophthalmus maximus, having a pale brown speckled scaleless body covered with tubercles: family Bothidae . It is highly valued as a food fish

any of various similar or related fishes

Word Origin for turbot

C13: from Old French tourbot, from Medieval Latin turbō, from Latin: spinning top, from a fancied similarity in shape; see turbit, turbine

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for turbot

"large flat fish," c.1300, from Old French turbut (12c.), probably from a Scandinavian source (cf. Old Swedish törnbut, from törn "thorn" + but "flatfish;" see halibut). But OED says of uncertain origin and speculates on a connection to Latin turbo "spinning top."