gymnotus Meaning, Definition & Usage

Gym*no"tus noun

Etymology

NL., fr. Gr. gymno`s naked + the back: cf. F. gymnote.

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) A genus of South American fresh-water fishes, including the Gymnotus electricus, or electric eel. It has a greenish, eel-like body, and is possessed of electric power.

   One fearful shock, fearful but momentary, like from the electric blow of the gymnotus. De Quincey.