noun
midshipman
A marine fish known for making humming sounds.
A male midshipman hums to attract a mate.
Etymology
The fish-name compares its rows of light-producing spots with buttons on a midshipman's uniform. The naval appearance, rather than its humming, explains the name.
More examples
- The midshipman guards its eggs beneath a rock.
- Researchers lower a microphone underwater to record the midshipman's hum.
- Midshipmen spend much of their time near the ocean floor.
Forms
midshipman · midshipmen
Similar words
- toadfish
- Names a broader group of fish that includes midshipmen.