Eel: meaning, definitions and examples

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eel

 

[ iหl ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

type of fish

An eel is a long, snake-like fish that belongs to the order Anguilliformes. Eels are typically found in both freshwater and saltwater habitats and are known for their elongated bodies which facilitate their movement through water. They play significant roles in their ecosystems, both as predators and prey. Eels are also known for their ability to migrate long distances, particularly during spawning periods. The most well-known species include the American eel and the European eel.

Synonyms

angler, serpent, squirming fish.

Examples of usage

  • The eel slithered through the rocks.
  • We caught a large eel during our fishing trip.
  • Eels are a delicacy in many cuisines around the world.
  • The scientist studied the behavior of eels in the wild.

Translations

Translations of the word "eel" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น enguia

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเคพเค—เคฟเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Aal

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ belut

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฒัƒะณะพั€

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ wฤ™gorz

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ‚ฆใƒŠใ‚ฎ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท anguille

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ anguila

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท yฤฑlan balฤฑฤŸฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์žฅ์–ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุซุนุจุงู† ุงู„ุจุญุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ รบhoล™

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ รบhor

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ณ—้ฑผ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ ugljiฤ

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ eรฐla

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะตะป

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒแƒœแƒ’แƒ˜แƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ sudak

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ anguila

Etymology

The word 'eel' has its origins in the Old English word 'วฃel', which can be traced back to Proto-Germanic *รฆhwilaz, meaning 'eel, snake'. This old term has cognates in several Germanic languages, such as Old High German 'รกal', Dutch 'aal', and German 'Aal', all meaning 'eel'. The long and slender shape of eels has led to their association with serpentine qualities, and their description in ancient texts often emphasizes their elusive nature. Over centuries, eels have garnered mythological significance in various cultures, embodying mystery and cunning. The fascination with eels extends into culinary traditions, particularly in Japan, where eel (unagi) is considered a delicacy, and in European cuisine, where it's enjoyed in various dishes. The ecological importance of eels has been a subject of study as well, reflecting their role in aquatic ecosystems as both predators and prey.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,691, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.