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stickleback |
2 definitions found From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]: Stickleback \Stic"kle*back`\, n. [OE. & Prov E. stickle a prickle, spine, sting (AS. sticel) + back See {Stick}, v. t., and cf {Banstickle}.] (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of small fishes of the genus {Gasterosteus} and allied genera. The back is armed with two or more sharp spines. They inhabit both salt and brackish water, and construct curious nests. Called also {sticklebag}, {sharpling}, and {prickleback}. From WordNet r 1.6 [wn]: stickleback n : small (2-4 inches) pugnacious mostly scaleless spiny-backed fishes of northern fresh and littoral waters having elaborate courtship; subjects of much research [syn: {prickleback}]
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