Search Dictionary
Definition of velvetfish

velvetfish

/ˈvɛlvətˌfɪʃ/
vel · vet · fish
Plural:velvetfishes
JUMP TO:

velvetfish Lexical Profile

• noun

1

Any of several small, bottom-dwelling marine fishes primarily of the family Aploactinidae, native to the coastal waters and coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific Ocean, characterized by a highly camouflaged appearance and a soft, velvety skin texture caused by modified scales.

Example

"While exploring the rocky reef off the coast of Western Australia, the marine biologist photographed a remarkably camouflaged velvetfish resting on the sea floor."

• Nearby Words

velvet gecko
velvet swamp snake
velveteen
velvetfish
velvetlike
velvety
venal

Word Origin & Etymology

A compound of 'velvet' and 'fish', named for the highly modified, prickly scales that give the skin of these fishes a soft, velvety texture.

Usage Trend

Historical frequency of usage in published text.

180019102020
Data source: Google Books Ngram Viewer

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Velvetfish. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/velvetfish
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.