Osphromenidae

plural noun

Os·​phro·​men·​i·​dae
ˌäsfrəˈmenəˌdē
in some classifications
: a family of freshwater fishes of southeastern Asia and Africa including the gouramis and a number of favored aquarium fishes and usually included in the same family (Anabantidae) as the genus Anabas

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Osphromenus, type genus (from Greek osphromenos, aorist participle of osphrainesthai to smell, catch the scent of) + -idae; from a resemblance of certain organs to another supposed by the namer to be an organ of smell; akin to Greek ozein to smell

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 Osphromenidae

Cite this Entry

“Osphromenidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Osphromenidae. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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