perch
perch Lexical Profile
perch Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A branch, horizontal rod, or elevated ledge on which a bird or other animal alights and rests.
"The parakeet hopped onto its wooden perch and began preening its feathers."
A high, prominent, or precarious vantage point or position occupied by a person or object.
"From her high perch on the balcony, she could watch the parade moving down the avenue."
Any of various carnivorous freshwater fishes of the genus Perca (family Percidae) native to temperate rivers and lakes of Europe, Asia, and North America, characterized by two dorsal fins, rough ctenoid scales, and dark vertical bars along the flanks; also applied broadly to several related spiny-finned fishes.
"Anglers along the lake shore caught several yellow perch before noon."
The firm, mild-flavored white flesh of the perch fish when prepared and eaten as food.
"The lakeside restaurant is famous for its pan-fried perch served with lemon and herbs."
A traditional unit of length equal to 5.5 yards (16.5 feet or 5.029 meters), or of land area equal to 30.25 square yards; also called a rod or pole.
"The old property deed measured the boundary line in chains and perches."
• verb
To alight or rest on a branch, rod, or elevated surface (especially of a bird).
"A red-tailed hawk perched on the top of the telephone pole, scanning the field below."
To sit, rest, or be placed on a high, narrow, or precarious edge or position.
"He perched nervously on the edge of the wooden stool while waiting for his interview."
• Rhymes for perch
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
The word perch has two distinct origins that merged in spelling during Middle English: the sense of a resting pole derives via Old French perche from Latin pertica ('measuring rod, pole'), while the fish name comes via Old French perche and Latin perca from Ancient Greek perke, literally meaning 'spotted' or 'dark-colored'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.