lumpfish

[ luhmp-fish ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) lump·fish, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) lump·fish·es.

1. any of several thick-bodied, sluggish fishes of the family Cyclopteridae, found in northern seas, having the pelvic fins modified and united into a sucking disk, especially Cyclopterus lumpus, of the North Atlantic.

lumpfish

/ ˈlʌmpˌfɪʃ /

noun

1. a North Atlantic scorpaenoid fish, Cyclopterus lumpus, having a globular body covered with tubercles, pelvic fins fused into a sucker, and an edible roe: family Cyclopteridae
2. any other fish of the family Cyclopteridae

Word History and Origins

Origin of lumpfish¹

First recorded in 1735–45; lump ¹ + fish

Word History and Origins

Origin of lumpfish¹

C16: lump (now obsolete) lumpfish, from Middle Dutch lumpe, perhaps related to lump ¹

Example Sentences

The project also includes a proposal to aquaculture lumpfish, a species of fish that can be used to control parasites.

From Seattle Times

And now, add the lumpfish to nature’s cast of secretly glowing animals.

From New York Times

The researchers plan on testing a smaller and lighter version in the Icelandic lumpfish fishery soon.

From New York Times

The extremely ugly lumpfish comes close to the shore to breed around this time of year, so the roe is harvested and eaten fresh.

From The Guardian

In the fishmonger's next to the herring factory they have displays of fresh seafood on ice: lumpfish, turbot, prawns, skate and many more.

From BBC