A prawn is a shellfish with a long body, many legs, and antennae, similar to a shrimp and often eaten as seafood. In some varieties of English, “prawn” can mean larger shrimp-like creatures.
“Prawn” comes from Middle English *praune* or *prane*, of uncertain origin, possibly from Old French. Its exact roots are unclear, which is common with names for local foods and animals.
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