halibut

Betekenis

A large flatfish of the genus Hippoglossus, which sometimes leaves the ocean floor and swims vertically.

Uitgesproken als (IPA)

/ˈhæ.lɪ.bət/

Etymologie

From Middle English *halibutt, equivalent to holy + but (“flatfish”), since the fish was often eaten on holy days. Compare Dutch heilbot, German Heiligbutt, Heilbutt, Heilbutte. Compare also Danish helleflynder, Swedish helgeflundra.