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Definition of flatfish

flatfish

/ˈflæt.fɪʃ/
flat · fish
Plural:flatfish
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flatfish Lexical Profile

flatfish Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Any marine fish of the order Pleuronectiformes, characterized by a laterally compressed body and having both eyes on the upper side of the head in adulthood, including flounders, soles, plaice, and halibuts.

Example

"The marine biologist studied how the larval flatfish undergoes metamorphosis, causing one eye to migrate entirely to the opposite side of its skull."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for flatfish

• Rhymes for flatfish

• Nearby Words

flatboat
flatbread
flatcar
flatfish
flathead
flathead catfish
flatworm

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'flat' and 'fish', first used in Middle English to accurately describe the distinctly flattened, asymmetrical body shape that these benthic marine creatures develop.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Flatfish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 16, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/flatfish
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