alligator gar

noun

: a large freshwater gar (Lepisosteus spatula) of the central U.S. that attains a length of over 7 feet and a weight in excess of 150 pounds

also : any of certain related Cuban and Central American fishes that are all valueless as food or game fishes and considered destructive of aquatic life and waterfowls

Word History

Etymology

so called from its size

First Known Use

1820, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of alligator gar was in 1820

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Alligator gar.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alligator%20gar. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

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