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Definition of bichir
bichir
/ˈbɪtʃ.ər/
bi · chir
Plural:bichirs
bichir Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
12
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
bichir Game Scores & Validity
Scrabble US
Scrabble UK
WWF
Wordle Guess
• noun
1
A primitive, elongated freshwater fish of the family Polypteridae, native to tropical Africa and the Nile river system, characterized by heavy armor-like scales, lobed pectoral fins, and functional lungs that allow it to breathe atmospheric air.
Example
"Aquarium enthusiasts often admire the bichir for its prehistoric appearance and its unique ability to survive in oxygen-poor waters."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for bichir• Rhymes for bichir
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from Egyptian Arabic 'bašīr' or a related local vernacular name used in the Nile basin to describe these ancient freshwater fishes. First recorded in the early 19th century.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.
180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Bichir. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/bichir