swordfish (sordfish)

1. A common name of various fishes. ( a ) Originally, Xiphias gladius, the common swordfish of the Atlantic and Mediterranean, having the upper jaw elongated into a sharp sword-like weapon (whence the name); hence, any xiphioid fish; any member of the Xiphiidæ. The common swordfish resembles and Swordfish ( Xiphias gladius). (From Report of U. S. Fish Commi ion.) is related to the sailfish and spearfish (compare cuts under these words). It measures from 10 to 15 feet in length, the sword forming about three tenths of this length, and acquires a weight of from 300 to 400 pounds; it has a single long elevated dorsal fin, but no ventral fins. The swordfish attacks other fishes with its jaw, and it sometimes perforates the planks of ships with the same powerful weapon. The flesh is very palatable and nutritious. (b) A garpike; also, the garfish, Belone vulgar is. [Local, Scotch.] (c) The butter-fish, Murænoides gunnellus. [Orkney.] ( d ) The cutlas-fish. See cut under Trichiurus. (e) The killer or grampus, a cetacean mammal of the genus Orca. 2. [cap.] In astron., a southern constellation, Dorado.-Swordfish sucker, a remora, Echeneis bra chyptera, which often fastens on swordfishes.