Electrophoridae

/ɪˌlɛktrəfoʊˈrɛɪdi/ noun

Definition

A family of fish that produce electrical discharges, including the electric eel and related species.

Etymology

From electro- (electricity) + -phorus (carrier) + -idae (zoological family suffix). Named for their ability to generate and carry electrical current.

Kelly Says

Electric eels aren't eels at all—they're fish in the Electrophoridae family that literally weaponized electricity, generating 860 volts to stun prey and communicate with each other.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

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