rhizoverbBeta
DictionarybarracudaPredatory fish
noun

barracuda

bair-uh-KOO-duh/ˌbærəˈkuːdə/

A long, sharp-toothed tropical predatory fish.

A barracuda glides through the tropical water with its sharp teeth visible.

A large barracuda in side profile, its long silver body, pointed head, projecting lower jaw and exposed sharp teeth clearly visible as it pursues a small reef fish.
Etymology
barracudaSpanishbarracuda

The American Spanish name already denoted the large, voracious fish, so no change of meaning is needed. A Carib origin is possible, but no underlying root meaning is established.

In context

Intriguing Facts and Motivation0:07
they have a distinctive appearance with long slender bodies and sharp pointed teeth there are about 20 different species of barracudas with the great barracuda being the largest and most well-known
25 Fascinating Facts About Barracuda | Unveiling the Mysteries of the Ocean's Predator

More examples

  • The diver spots several barracudas beyond the reef.
  • Colleagues call the ruthless negotiator a barracuda.
  • The documentary follows a hunting barracuda.

Forms

barracuda · barracudas

Similar words

predator
The broader animal or figurative category.
shark
A different fish also used figuratively for ruthless people.