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pupfish

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: /ˈpʌpˌfɪʃ/

KK: /ˈpʌpˌfɪʃ/

noun
Definition

A small fish that lives in warm springs and streams, often found in desert areas, belonging to the genus Cyprinodon.


Example

The pupfish is known for its ability to survive in harsh desert conditions.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of the pupfish?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think they live in some desert springs, right?
Sloth A
Exactly! They're really interesting little fish.
Sloth B
I read that they can survive in very harsh conditions.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
killifish
minnow
fish
Antonyms
Root Explanation

Pupfish is formed from "pup" (from the English word meaning a young dog or a small animal) and "fish" (from Old English "fisc", meaning a creature that swims). The term "pupfish" refers to a small fish species, often characterized by their juvenile size and appearance.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'pup' as a young animal, and 'fish' as a swimming creature. This helps you remember that a pupfish is a small fish, often resembling a young version of other fish.

Visually Confused Words
puppyfish
purplish
puppyish
plumpish
pipefish
lumpfish
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