bitterling

[ bit-er-ling ]

noun

1. a cyprinid fish, Rhodeus sericeus, found in central and eastern Europe, the female of which has a long, bright yellow or red ovipositor to deposit eggs in the mantle cavity of mussels.

bitterling

/ ˈbɪtəlɪŋ /

noun

1. a small brightly coloured European freshwater cyprinid fish, Rhodeus sericeus : a popular aquarium fish

Word History and Origins

Origin of bitterling¹

1875–80; < German, equivalent to bitter bitter + -ling -ling ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of bitterling¹

C19: from German; see bitter + -ling ¹