Definition

A small tropical fish that is usually brightly colored and belongs to the family Pomacentridae, often found in coral reefs.

Example

The damselfish swam gracefully among the coral, showcasing its vibrant colors.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a damselfish in the ocean?

Yeah, they're those small, colorful fish, right?

Exactly! I think they look so beautiful swimming around the coral reefs.

I agree, they really add a lot of color to the underwater scenery.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Damselfish is formed from "damsel" (from Middle English *damsel*, meaning a young woman or girl) and "fish" (from Old English *fisc*, meaning a creature that swims). The term refers to a small, colorful fish often associated with coral reefs, likening its appearance to that of a delicate young woman.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'damsel' as a delicate young woman and 'fish' as a swimming creature, which helps you remember that a damselfish is a small, colorful fish that resembles something delicate.

Visually Confused Words