electric eel

noun

1. an eellike, freshwater fish, Electrophorus electricus, found in the Amazon and Orinoco rivers and tributaries, sometimes over 6 feet (1.8 meters) long, capable of emitting strong electric discharges.

electric eel

noun

1. an eel-like freshwater cyprinoid fish, Electrophorus electricus, of N South America, having electric organs in the body: family Electrophoridae

Word History and Origins

Origin of electric eel¹

First recorded in 1785–95

Example Sentences

It goes to show how very, very little we know about how electric eels behave in the wild.

From Science News

Here the electric eel and Perkins steam-gun were exhibited about 1838.

From Project Gutenberg

The electric eel is also an inhabitant of these waters, and has sometimes nearly proved fatal to the strongest swimmer.

From Project Gutenberg

They wanted to throttle the electric eel for their own purposes.

From Project Gutenberg

"Son of an electric eel," she said when Tel reached her, her birthmark scarlet.

From Project Gutenberg

The torpedo, the ray, and the electric eel are electricians.

From Project Gutenberg