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DictionaryRoot: pira nya
Tupi

pira nya

piranha

1 / 1
A single realistically proportioned red-bellied piranha in side view, with its mouth slightly open to reveal small interlocking triangular teeth.
noun

piranha

pih-RAH-nuh/pɪˈrɑːnə/

A South American freshwater fish with sharp teeth.

Etymology
piranhaTupipiranha

The Tupi name pira nya probably means “biting-fish,” with pira meaning “fish.” That probable image emphasizes the biting behavior of this sharp-toothed fish.

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