characin

noun

char·​a·​cin ˈker-ə-sən How to pronounce characin (audio)
ˈka-rə-
: any of a family (Characidae) of usually small brightly colored tropical freshwater fishes that includes many aquarium fishes
characin adjective

Word History

Etymology

ultimately from Greek charak-, charax pointed stake, a fish

First Known Use

1846, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of characin was in 1846

Dictionary Entries Near characin

Characidae

characin

Characinidae

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Cite this Entry

“Characin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/characin. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about characin

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