First Known Use: 1861
Dictionary
piranha
noun pi·ra·nha \pə-ˈrä-nə; -ˈrän-yə, -ˈran-\
: a small South American fish that has sharp teeth and that eats the flesh of animals
plural pi·ra·nhas or piranha
Full Definition of PIRANHA
: any of various usually small South American characin fishes (genera Serrasalmus and Pygocentrus) that have very sharp teeth, often appear in schools, and include some that may attack and inflict dangerous wounds upon humans and large animals —called also caribe
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Origin of PIRANHA
Portuguese, from Tupi pirã́ja, pirã́nʸa, from pirá fish + ã́ja, ã́nʸa tooth
PIRANHA Defined for Kids
piranha
noun pi·ra·nha \pə-ˈrä-nə\
Definition of PIRANHA for Kids
: a small South American freshwater fish that has very sharp teeth, often occurs in groups, and may attack human beings and animals in the water
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