Callionymus

/kəˈlɪɒnɪməs/ noun

Definition

A genus of small, brightly colored fish with fused pelvic fins, commonly called dragonets, found in saltwater habitats.

Etymology

From Greek 'kallos' (beauty) + 'onoma' (name), literally 'beautiful name.' Used as a scientific genus name in marine taxonomy for these ornate little fish.

Kelly Says

The dragonet gets its genus name from ancient Greek but was only scientifically named in 1758—thousands of years of human sea travel passed before anyone formally recognized and named these jewel-like fish.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.