menhaden

[ men-heyd-n ]

noun

, plural men·ha·den.

1. any marine clupeid fish of the genus Brevoortia, especially B. tyrannus, resembling a shad but with a more compressed body, common along the eastern coast of the U.S., and used for making oil and fertilizer.

menhaden

/ mɛnˈheɪdən /

noun

1. a marine North American fish, Brevoortia tyrannus: source of fishmeal, fertilizer, and oil: family Clupeidae (herrings, etc)

Word History and Origins

Origin of menhaden¹

First recorded in 1635–45, Americanism; perhaps from Narragansett ( English spelling) munnawhatteaûg, influenced by English dialect poghaden; pogy ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of menhaden¹

C18: from Algonquian; probably related to Narragansett munnawhatteaúg fertilizer, menhaden

Example Sentences

Rather, the DEP said it believed warming ocean temperatures are causing whales and the fish they eat, including menhaden, to move into new areas, bringing them into areas frequented by vessels.

From Seattle Times

“It is clear that the very precautionary Chesapeake Bay cap for menhaden is not the hurdle for the striped bass population returning to higher levels,” he said.

From New York Times

Gulf menhaden, which fishermen commonly use for bait, was the species most affected in the kill, Texas Parks and Wildlife said.

From Seattle Times

Most of the fish that washed ashore were Gulf menhaden, officials said.

From Seattle Times

Ms. St. Clair said that the fish kill could have a significant environmental impact because the dead fish — mostly Gulf menhaden — play a “critical role” in the local ecosystem.

From New York Times