scarus

noun

scar·​us
ˈska(a)rəs
1
plural -es : a parrot fish (Sparisoma cretense) of the Mediterranean of excellent table quality and highly esteemed by the ancient Romans
2
capitalized [New Latin, from Latin, parrot fish] : the type genus of Scaridae comprising fishes with the teeth completely consolidated so that the jaws have the appearance of a bird's beak compare parrot fish

Word History

Etymology

Latin, from Greek skaros; probably akin to Greek skairein to skip, leap

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Dictionary Entries Near scarus

Cite this Entry

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

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