Word Meanings - SWELLFISH - Book Publishers vocabulary database

Any plectognath fish that dilates itself, as the bur fish, puffer, or diodon.

PLECTOGNATHI
An order of fishes generally having the maxillary bone united with the premaxillary, and the articular united with the dentary. Note: The upper jaw is immovably joined to the skull; the ventral fins are rudimentary or wanting; and the
PUFFERY
The act of puffing; bestowment of extravagant commendation.
PLECTOGNATHIC; PLEC-TOGNATHOUS
Of or pertaining to the Plectognathi.
PLECTOGNATH
Of or pertaining to the Plectognathi. -- n.
DIODONT
Like or pertaining to the genus Diodon. -- n.
ITSELF
The neuter reciprocal pronoun of It; as, the thing is good in itself; it stands by itself. Borrowing of foreigners, in itself, makes not the kingdom rich or poor. Locke.
PUFFER
A kier. (more info) 1. One who puffs; one who praises with noisy or extravagant commendation. 2. One who is employed by the owner or seller of goods sold at suction to bid up the price; a by-bidder. Bouvier. Any plectognath fish which inflates
DIODON
A genus of spinose, plectognath fishes, having the teeth of each jaw united into a single beaklike plate. They are able to inflate the body by taking in air or water, and, hence, are called globefishes, swellfishes, etc. fishes, and sea hedgehogs.