Capito

/ˈkæp.ɪ.toʊ/ noun

Definition

A rare or archaic term for a fish (genus Capitio or Barbus) or a large-headed person; sometimes a proper noun.

Etymology

From Latin capitio (a fish with a large head), from caput (head). The name refers to the fish's prominent head.

Kelly Says

Medieval ichthyologists (fish scientists) named fish based on their most obvious features—and if a fish had a notably large head, they called it capito! The term survives mainly in scientific nomenclature today.

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