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Definition of smolt

smolt

/smoʊlt/
smolt
Plural:smolts
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smolt Lexical Profile

smolt Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A young salmon or trout at the biological stage when it undergoes physiological changes, develops a silvery coating of scales, and migrates from fresh water to the ocean.

Example

"The researchers tagged each smolt before it began its arduous journey down the river to the sea."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for smolt

Word Nuance & Usage

The term 'smolt' refers strictly to a specific life stage of salmonids, and is sometimes confused with 'smelt', which refers to a completely different biological family of small silvery fish.

• Rhymes for smolt

• Nearby Words

smoke
smoke bush
smoke tree
smolt
smooth earth snake
smooth green snake
smooth hound

Word Origin & Etymology

Mid 15th century (originally in Scottish usage); of obscure origin, but likely related to 'smelt' (a small fish) or the root of 'smelt' (to melt), referring to the fish's smooth, silvery appearance.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Smolt. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Oct 12, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/smolt
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