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Piranha Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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piranha

[pɪˈrænə ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

fish

A piranha is a carnivorous fish that belongs to the family Serrasalmidae, which is found primarily in the freshwater rivers and lakes of South America. Known for their sharp teeth and strong jaws, piranhas are often depicted as ferocious predators, although their feeding behavior can vary widely depending on the species and environmental factors.

Synonyms

Serrasalmidae, carnivorous fish.

Examples of usage

  • The piranha is famous for its razor-sharp teeth.
  • Some piranhas are herbivorous rather than carnivorous.
  • In some rivers, piranhas are a common catch for fishermen.
  • The fearsome reputation of piranhas is often exaggerated.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'piranha'

Main points about word origin

  • 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.

The word 'piranha' originates from the Tupi language, which is spoken by indigenous peoples in Brazil. In Tupi, the term 'piranha' is derived from 'pira' meaning 'fish' and 'anha' meaning 'tooth', reflecting the fish's notorious dentition. The word entered the English lexicon in the late 18th century as European explorers encountered this unique species in the Amazon River basin. The piranha quickly became known in popular culture due to its portrayal as a dangerous predator, particularly in movies and literature. Despite their fearsome reputation, many species of piranha exhibit more complex social behaviors and feeding habits than traditionally depicted, contributing to an evolving understanding of this fascinating fish.

Word Frequency Rank

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.