Pigfish

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A small marine fish of the drum family found in Atlantic coastal waters, named for the grunting sounds it produces when caught
2. A type of fish belonging to the drum family that is typically found in Atlantic coastal regions and is known for its distinctive grunting noises when captured
3. This species of small marine fish inhabits the Atlantic shores and produces unique sounds resembling grunts when they are caught

Etymology: The pigfish is named for the grunting noise it makes, which is the sort of plain description that many fish names share. Pull one out of the water and it can produce a low, piglike grunt, and the name is simply a compound of the two familiar words "pig" and "fish." Its scientific relatives in the grunt family (Haemulidae) are known for the same habit, which is why the name fits a whole group of fish that make sounds by rubbing their teeth or throat muscles against their swim bladder. Because the name is a plain compound, its interest lies in the description rather than in any coined term. The two parts keep their ordinary meanings, so the word needs no special history to make sense.

Synonyms: fish, marine life, ocean fish, sea creature, species