snakehead
snakehead Lexical Profile
snakehead Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A predatory freshwater fish of the family Channidae, native to parts of Africa and Asia, characterized by a long, cylindrical body, a snake-like head, and the ability to breathe atmospheric air. It is considered a highly destructive invasive species in North America.
"Wildlife authorities urged local anglers to immediately report and dispatch any snakehead caught in the lake to prevent the invasive species from decimating native fish populations."
A person who orchestrates the illegal smuggling and human trafficking of migrants out of China and into other nations.
"The international investigation led to the arrest of a notorious snakehead who had been coordinating perilous maritime journeys for undocumented migrants."
• Rhymes for snakehead
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
A compound of 'snake' and 'head'. The fish is named for its visual resemblance to a serpent. The human smuggling sense is a literal translation (calque) of the Chinese term 'shétóu' (蛇头).
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.