tuna
tuna Lexical Profile
tuna Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A large, fast-swimming predatory marine fish of the tribe Thunnini (family Scombridae), inhabiting warm and temperate oceans worldwide and characterized by a streamlined body and crescent-shaped tail.
"Schools of bluefin tuna migrate across the Atlantic Ocean in search of smaller baitfish."
The firm, protein-rich flesh of the tuna fish used as food, widely consumed fresh as steaks or sushi, or preserved in cans and pouches.
"She prepared a quick lunch of whole-wheat toast topped with canned tuna and diced celery."
The sweet, edible, reddish-purple or yellow berry-like fruit produced by the prickly pear cactus (genus Opuntia), native to the Americas and widely enjoyed fresh or in jellies and beverages.
"At the market in Oaxaca, vendors sold peeled green and crimson tunas harvested from local prickly pear cacti."
Any of several spiny-padded cacti of the genus Opuntia, native to arid regions of the Americas and cultivated for their edible pads and fruits.
"Thick hedges of wild tuna grew along the dry hillsides of the desert valley."
New Zealand A freshwater eel of the genus Anguilla, particularly the New Zealand longfin eel or shortfin eel, native to the rivers and lakes of New Zealand.
"Local conservationists monitor the freshwater streams to protect the habitat of the native tuna."
• Rhymes for tuna
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
In its common marine sense, the word was borrowed in the late 19th century from American Spanish atún (influenced by Spanish tuna), tracing back through Arabic al-tunn and Latin thunnus to Ancient Greek thynnos ('to rush or dart'). In its botanical sense referring to the prickly pear, it entered English in the 16th century via Spanish from the indigenous Taíno word tuna.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.