Piranha
/pɪˈɹɑːn(j)ə/ noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 Any of certain freshwater fish of the subfamily Serrasalminae, native to South America; they are characterised by razor-sharp teeth and a reputation of being ferocious predators (despite most species being omnivorous).
- 2 small voraciously carnivorous freshwater fishes of South America that attack and destroy living animals wordnet
- 3 someone who attacks in search of booty wordnet
Example
More examples"There is a piranha in that jungle river."
Etymology
First attested in 1869. The term entered English either via Portuguese piranha or Spanish piraña, from Old Tupi pirãîa.