Ahi

/ˈɑhi/ noun

Definition

A large yellowfin tuna fish prized for sushi and sashimi; Hawaiian word for tuna.

Etymology

From Hawaiian 'ahi' meaning fire or burning, possibly referring to the fish's coloring or aggressive nature. Entered English culinary vocabulary in the 1970s-80s with sushi's rise in popularity.

Kelly Says

Ahi tuna can dive deeper than 1,000 feet and cross entire oceans, yet their Hawaiian name 'ahi' means fire—the fishermen saw their fierce hunting power before modern biology explained it.

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