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ciguatera

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: //ˌsɪɡəˈtɛrə//

KK: /sɪɡəˈtɛrə/

noun
Definition

A type of food poisoning that occurs after eating certain tropical fish that contain toxins, leading to symptoms like stomach issues and nerve problems.


Example

After eating the fish caught in the tropical waters, he experienced symptoms of ciguatera poisoning.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of ciguatera poisoning from fish?
Sloth B
Yeah, I read about it; it sounds really dangerous.
Sloth A
I was surprised to learn it can come from eating tropical fish.
Sloth B
Definitely! It makes you think twice before trying new seafood.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
toxicity
poisoning
contamination
Antonyms
safety
health
purity
Root Explanation

Ciguatera originates from the Spanish word 'ciguatera', which refers to a type of fish poisoning caused by eating reef fish that have accumulated toxins. The term itself is derived from the Caribbean Taíno word 'sikuwata', meaning 'toxic fish'.

Memory Tip

Think of the Spanish word 'ciguatera' that describes a specific type of fish poisoning, which helps you remember that ciguatera refers to the toxic effects of eating certain reef fish.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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