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Definition of osteoglossum

osteoglossum

/ˌɑːstioʊˈɡlɑːsəm/
os · te · o · glos · sum
Plural:osteoglossums
•
Adjective:osteoglossid
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osteoglossum Lexical Profile

• noun

1

A taxonomic genus of large, elongated freshwater bony fish native to the Amazon Basin and other parts of South America, commonly known as arowanas, distinguished by their large scales and a prominent bony tongue.

Example

"The silver arowana, widely kept by experienced aquarium enthusiasts, is the most well-known species within the genus Osteoglossum."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for osteoglossum

• Rhymes for osteoglossum

• Nearby Words

ostentation
ostentatious
ostentatiously
osteoglossum
osteopath
osteopathy
osteoporosis

Word Origin & Etymology

From Modern Latin Osteoglossum, derived from Ancient Greek 'osteon' (bone) and 'glossa' (tongue), referring to the distinctive toothed bone located on the floor of the fish's mouth.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Osteoglossum. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/osteoglossum
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