Puffer

/ˈpʌfər/ noun

Definition

A person or animal that puffs, or a type of fish that can inflate itself with air or water as a defense mechanism.

Etymology

From 'puff' (Old English 'pyf,' an imitative word for breathing heavily) + '-er' (one who does). The word reflects the sound and action of breathing heavily.

Kelly Says

Puffer fish are named after their defensive ability to puff up to look scary—but the same word describes any creature making quick breathing sounds, showing how English names things based on what they do!

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