Gurnard

/ˈɡɜːnərd/ noun

Definition

A marine fish with a large bony head and spiny fins, common in European waters and valued as food, known for the grunting sounds it makes.

Etymology

From Old French 'gournart,' the word likely comes from Latin 'grunire' (to grunt), because these fish produce audible grunting sounds when caught or distressed.

Kelly Says

Gurnards make actual grunting noises underwater using specialized muscles—they're basically the pigs of the sea, and fishermen used to hear them grunting in their nets!

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