piranha

views updated May 17 2018

pi·ra·nha / pəˈränə/ • n. (pl. same or piranhas ) a deep-bodied South American freshwater fish (Serrasalmus and other genera, family Characidae) that typically lives in shoals and has very sharp teeth that are used to tear flesh from prey. It has a reputation as a fearsome predator. Its several species include the red (or red-bellied) pirhana (S. natterei).

The Oxford Pocket Dictionary of Current English

piranha

views updated May 21 2018

piranha (piraya) Tropical, freshwater, bony fish that lives in rivers in South America. It is a voracious predator, with formidable teeth and an aggressive temperament. Piranhas usually travel and attack in shoals and can pose a serious threat to much larger creatures. Length: to 24in (61cm). Family Characidae; genus Serrasalmus.

World Encyclopedia

perai

views updated Jun 08 2018

perai voracious S. Amer. freshwater fish. XVIII (peri). — Tupi piraya (in Brazil piranya, whence piranha XIX), lit. ‘scissors’.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

piranha

views updated Jun 11 2018

piranha See CHARACIDAE.

A Dictionary of Zoology MICHAEL ALLABY

piranha

views updated May 23 2018

piranha see PERAI.

The Concise Oxford Dictionary of English Etymology T. F. HOAD

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