Ceratiidae

plural noun

Cer·​a·​ti·​i·​dae
ˌserəˈtīəˌdē
: a family of deep-sea fishes (order Pediculati) comprising the black sea devils and related to the anglers but black in color and often having luminous organs, the males in several species being diminutive and carried in the gill cavity or attached to the body or head of the female

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Ceratias, type genus (from Greek keratias horned, from kerat-, keras horn) + -idae

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Ceratiidae

Cite this Entry

“Ceratiidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Ceratiidae. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!