pirarucu

noun
pi·​ra·​ru·​cu | \ pi-ˌrär-ə-ˈkü How to pronounce pirarucu (audio) \

Definition of pirarucu

: a large-scaled, predatory, freshwater fish (Arapaima gigas of the family Arapaimidae) of the rivers of northern South America that is an esteemed food fish, has a toothed tongue, and may reach a length of nearly 10 feet (3 meters) and a weight of over 300 pounds (136 kilograms) but is typically smaller

Note: The pirarucu has been placed especially formerly in the same family (Osteoglossidae) as the arowanas.

Examples of pirarucu in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Brazilian sustainable luxury label Osklen (Katie Holmes is a fan) has a new superchic pirarucu weekend bag ($1,997) that has the look of an exotic but is in fact made from fish skins. Alison S. Cohn, New York Times, "Where to Stock Up for a Long Weekend on Long Island," 28 June 2017

First Known Use of pirarucu

1840, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for pirarucu

Portuguese, from Tupi pirawrukú, from pirá fish + urukú annatto

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