English Explanatory Dictionary

piranha

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. Any of certain freshwater fish of the subfamily Serrasalminae, native to South America; they are characterised by razor-sharp teeth and a reputation of being ferocious predators (despite most species being omnivorous).

Pronunciation

/pɪˈɹɑːn(j)ə/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-piranha.wav /pɪˈɹɑn(j)ə/ /pɪˈɹæn(j)ə/

Word forms

piranha piranhas piraña pirana piraya

Etymology

First attested in 1869. The term entered English either via Portuguese piranha or Spanish piraña, from Old Tupi pirãîa.

Derived words

piranha etch piranha solution piranhic red-bellied piranha red piranha social piranha
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