barracouta

[ bar-uh-koo-tuh ]

noun

, plural (especially collectively) bar·ra·cou·ta, (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) bar·ra·cou·tas.

1. snoek.

barracouta

/ ˌbærəˈkuːtə /

noun

1. a large predatory Pacific fish, Thyrsites atun , with a protruding lower jaw and strong teeth: family Gempylidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of barracouta¹

C17: variant of barracuda

Example Sentences

Then, the barracouta's powerful tail twisted with a violence that sent the water swirling as from a screw.

From Project Gutenberg

The gorge, too, was alive with barracoutas and sharks, leaping out of water, or with their stiff triangular fins cutting just above the surface, and sometimes even grazing the blades of the cutter’s oars.

From Project Gutenberg

As buoyant as a cork, he soon came to the surface, and, scrambling upon the stage, he seized a barracouta from the boat, and rushed at his mate.

From Project Gutenberg

Now and again a long, black shadow would sail slowly over the scene of freakish life—the shadow of a passing albacore 176 or barracouta.

From Project Gutenberg

"Not too fast for a barracouta," said Tom; so we put out lines and watched the stretched strings, and listened to the sea.

From Project Gutenberg