bowfin

[ boh-fin ]

noun

1. a carnivorous ganoid fish, Amia calva, found in sluggish fresh waters of eastern North America.

bowfin

/ ˈbəʊˌfɪn /

noun

1. a primitive North American freshwater bony fish, Amia calva , with an elongated body and a very long dorsal fin: family Amiidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of bowfin¹

An Americanism dating back to 1835–45; bow ² + fin ¹

Example Sentences

The researchers also sequenced the bichir, an elongated, air-breathing, ray-finned fish that lives in the shallows of tropical African rivers, as well as the American paddlefish, the bowfin, and the alligator gar.

From Science Magazine

In the Jackson area, one man was filmed running onto Old Brandon Road and plucking a large bowfin from the water that covered the street.

From Fox News

The executive chef, Sandy Ingber, served it until last year, when the price for the Louisiana bowfin he used became prohibitive.

From New York Times

The caviar sandwich, priced under $15 dollars, briefly disappeared from the Oyster Bar’s menu several months ago after the cost of bowfin caviar soared.

From Seattle Times

The Department of Natural Resources says species that can be taken during both seasons include bowfin, carp, goldfish, gizzard shad, longnose gar, smelt and suckers.

From Seattle Times