Piranha: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word 'piranha' comes from the Tupi language of Brazil, meaning 'tooth fish.'
• It is pronounced 'pee-RAH-nyah' and has several dialectical variations across South American regions.

Habitats

• Piranhas primarily reside in the Amazon River Basin, preferring slow-moving waters with abundant vegetation.
• They can also be found in lakes, floodplains, and even brackish water when conditions allow.

Behavior

• These fish are known for their social behavior, often schooling in groups to increase their success in hunting.
• While their reputation as fierce predators is well-known, they are primarily scavengers that consume a variety of food sources.

Pop Culture

• Piranhas have been featured in numerous films and TV shows, often portrayed as vicious creatures, which exaggerates their real-life behavior.
• The 1978 film 'Piranha' and its remakes helped cement their status in horror and adventure genres.

Science

• Research indicates that piranhas have a complex communication system, using body language and sound to coordinate hunting.
• Studies on their teeth reveal remarkable adaptations that allow them to exert powerful bites, crucial for their feeding habits.

Ranking #37,892, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.

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• 37892 piranha
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