n. 1. (Zool.) (a) A very large oceanic fish (Xiphias gladius), the only representative of the family Xiphiidae. It is highly valued as a food fish. The bones of the upper jaw are consolidated, and form a long, rigid, swordlike beak; the dorsal fin is high and without distinct spines; the ventral fins are absent. The adult is destitute of teeth. It becomes sixteen feet or more long. (b) The gar pike. (c) The cutlass fish. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. (Astron.) A southern constellation. See Dorado, 1. [ 1913 Webster ]
Swordfish sucker (Zool.), a remora (Remora brachyptera) which attaches itself to the swordfish. [ 1913 Webster ]
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