cichlid

noun cich·lid \ˈsi-kləd\

Definition of CICHLID

: any of a family (Cichlidae) of mostly tropical spiny-finned usually freshwater fishes including several kept in tropical aquariums

— cichlid adjective

ultimately from Greek kichlē thrush, a kind of wrasse; perhaps akin to Greek chelidōn swallow

First Known Use: 1884

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