Istiophorid

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Any large, fast predatory marine fish of the family Istiophoridae, including marlins and sailfish, distinguished by a long, spearlike upper jaw
2. A member of the billfish family Istiophoridae, a group of swift ocean-dwelling predators that includes marlins and sailfish
3. Describing or belonging to the family Istiophoridae, the billfishes known for their elongated bill and high speed in open water

Etymology: Sailfish, marlins and spearfish all carry a tall dorsal fin that rises like a sail, and the family name records that feature. It comes from the Greek "histion", meaning "sail", joined to "-phoros", meaning "bearing" or "carrying", so the fish are literally sail-bearers. The genus "Istiophorus" was built from these Greek parts, and the family name adds the "-id" ending that zoologists use for animal families.

Synonyms: billfish