Search Dictionary
Definition of flashlightfish

flashlightfish

/ˈflæʃ.laɪt.fɪʃ/
flash · light · fish
Plural:flashlightfishes
JUMP TO:

flashlightfish Lexical Profile

• noun

1

Any of various small, nocturnal marine fishes of the family Anomalopidae, characterized by large bioluminescent organs located beneath their eyes which they use to communicate, attract prey, and evade predators.

Example

"During the night dive in the Indo-Pacific, we observed a school of flashlightfish blinking their luminous organs in the dark waters."

• Nearby Words

flashiness
flashing
flashlight
flashlightfish
flashmob
flashpoint
flashy

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'flashlight' and 'fish', named for the prominent bioluminescent organs beneath their eyes that can be mechanically covered or uncovered, resembling the operation of a flashlight.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Flashlightfish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/flashlightfish
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.