Oilfishes

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A type of elongated marine fish known for its oily flesh and slippery skin; used as food in some cultures but often avoided due to digestive issues; characterised by smooth, scaleless bodies and a silvery sheen
2. A species of oceanic fish distinguished by high oil content in its tissues and a smooth, scaleless exterior; occasionally consumed but can cause gastrointestinal discomfort; notable for its streamlined form and shimmering surface
3. A fish belonging to marine environments with notable oily meat and slick skin often lacking scales; while edible, it may lead to stomach upset; recognized by its sleek shape and glossy appearance

Etymology: "Oilfishes" is the plural of "oilfish," so the word is simply the plural of a compound formed from "oil" and "fish." Oilfish is the name given to fish of the family Gempylidae, and the name reflects the oil-rich flesh that makes the fish easy to recognise and, as the description notes, quick to upset the stomach if eaten in quantity. The plural follows the usual English pattern for "fish," which is the one noun that often stays unchanged in the plural. Speakers sometimes write "oilfishes" instead, and that form is used when referring to several distinct species of the group rather than a single school of one kind.

Synonyms: oilfish, snake mackerel