Meaning & Definition of word "Eel"
to
Eel
/iːl/
noun:
- 1. A long, slender fish of the order Anguilliformes, characterized by a serpentine body and a lack of pelvic fins.
- Example: The chef prepared a delicious dish using fresh eel from the market.
- 2. Any of various similar or related fishes, such as the moray eel or the freshwater eel.
- Example: During our scuba dive, we spotted a moray eel hiding in the coral.
- 3. A term used in context to describe a sneaky or deceitful person.
- Example: He was as slippery as an eel when it came to avoiding responsibility.
Etymology
Middle English: from Old English 'ǣel', of unknown origin.
Common Phrases and Expressions
electric eel:
A type of knifefish capable of generating electric shocks.
eeling:
The act of fishing for eels.
Related Words
anguilla:
The scientific genus that includes true eels.
eelgrass:
A type of seagrass that often provides habitat for eels.
Slang Meanings of eel
Meaning: To slip away or escape easily.
Example Sentence: I tried to hold onto him, but he just eeled out of my grasp.
Meaning: To behave in a sly or sneaky manner.
Example Sentence: Stop eeling around and just tell me the truth.