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Definition of filefish

filefish

/ˈfaɪl.fɪʃ/
file · fish
Plural:filefishes
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filefish Lexical Profile

filefish Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any of various tropical to subtropical marine fishes of the family Monacanthidae, closely related to triggerfish, characterized by highly compressed bodies, rough sandpaper-like skin, and a prominent erectile dorsal spine.

Example

"While snorkeling over the tropical reef, the marine biologist pointed out a scrawled filefish camouflaged perfectly against the swaying gorgonians."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for filefish

• Rhymes for filefish

• Nearby Words

fiji snake
file
file snake
filefish
filipendula
filix
film

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the mid-17th century from 'file' and 'fish', named for the rough, sandpaper-like texture of its skin, which was historically dried and used as an abrasive or to strike matches.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Filefish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 14, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/filefish
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