Burbot

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˈbɜ(ɹ).bət/

Definitions

1. A freshwater fish with a long, slim shape that is enjoyed for its delicious meat and is categorized within the cod family, typically inhabiting cooler water regions
2. This species is recognized for its unique physical characteristics and is prized for its culinary value, belonging to the cod family and residing in northern aquatic environments
3. A freshwater fish species with an elongated body, related to cod, found in cold water and valued for eating

Etymology: The burbot is a freshwater fish of the cod family, and its English name arrived by way of France. The French "barbote" comes from Latin "barba", meaning "beard", a reference to the single barbel dangling from its chin, which looks like a whisker. English speakers borrowed the French word and it pushed out the older native name "eelpout", which is still recorded as an alternative for the same fish. The fish's appearance is what gave it the name, so the beard is the whole story. Its one chin barbel and its eel-like body make it unusual among the cod family, which otherwise mostly lives in salt water, and that combination is why the French name stuck to it.

Synonyms: fish, cod, freshwater cod, lota, lota lota