A flatfish related to turbot, found in European waters and prized for its delicate flavor. Also used as British slang meaning 'brilliant' or 'excellent'.
From Middle English, possibly related to the fish's bright, shimmering appearance when fresh. The slang usage developed in mid-20th century British English as a shortened form of 'brilliant', following the pattern of abbreviating positive adjectives.
The brill fish demonstrates nature's evolutionary creativity - like other flatfish, it starts life swimming upright with eyes on both sides of its head, then gradually transforms as one eye migrates to join the other on the upper side. This remarkable metamorphosis inspired ancient myths about sea creatures changing their very nature.
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