Diodon

/ˈdaɪəˌdɑn/ noun

Definition

A genus of marine fish commonly called porcupinefish or spiny pufferfish, known for their ability to inflate their bodies with spines.

Etymology

From Greek 'di-' (two) and 'odont' (tooth), describing the fish's distinctive two large beak-like teeth used for crushing shells and corals, which are fused from multiple smaller teeth.

Kelly Says

Diodon fish contain tetrodotoxin, one of the deadliest poisons on Earth—it's 1,200 times more lethal than cyanide—yet some cultures still eat them; this same toxin is also used by researchers to study how nerves work.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

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