English Lexicon

Anchovy

/ˈæn.tʃə.vi/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #8500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A small, schooling fish that is often used as a food source, particularly in Mediterranean dishes.

    "The pizza was topped with anchovies for an extra burst of flavor."
  2. 2

    A type of fish that is typically salted and preserved, commonly used in sauces and spreads.

    "The Caesar salad dressing contained anchovies for a savory depth."

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Synonyms (3)
Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

Derived from the early 16th-century Spanish and Portuguese word anchova, which likely originates from the Vulgar Latin apiota, ultimately from the ancient Greek apýē meaning a kind of small fish. The spelling and pronunciation evolved in English through Mediterranean culinary trade influences.

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