'swellfishes' definitions:
Definition of 'swellfishes'
From: GCIDE
- Diodon \Di"o*don\, n. [Gr. di- = di`s- twice + 'odoy`s, 'odo`ntos, a tooth: cf. F. diodon.]
- 1. (Zool.) A genus of spinose, plectognath fishes, having the teeth of each jaw united into a single beaklike plate. They are able to inflate the body by taking in air or water, and, hence, are called globefishes, swellfishes, etc. Called also porcupine fishes, and sea hedgehogs. [1913 Webster]
- 2. (Zool.) A genus of whales. [1913 Webster]