Search Dictionary
Definition of osmerid
osmerid
/ˈɑːz.mɚ.ɪd/
os · mer · id
Plural:osmerids
•Adjective:osmerid
osmerid Lexical Profile
CEFR
C2
Grade
13
Tier
3
Usage
Rare
• adjective
1
Of, relating to, or characteristic of the fish family Osmeridae, which comprises the smelts.
Example
"The biologist noted several distinct osmerid traits when examining the newly discovered fossil."
• noun
1
A small, slender, predominantly anadromous or marine fish belonging to the family Osmeridae, commonly known as a smelt, native to cold northern waters and often exhibiting a characteristic cucumber-like scent.
Example
"The researchers surveyed the coastal estuary to measure the population density of the local osmerids before the spawning season."
Synonyms
View all synonyms for osmerid• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Derived from the New Latin family name 'Osmeridae', tracing back to the Greek 'osmē' meaning 'smell' (noting the characteristic cucumber-like odor of the fish), combined with the taxonomic suffix '-id'.
Cite this Entry
Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Osmerid. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/osmerid