gymnotus electricus

1 definition found

gymnotus electricus - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Gymnotus \Gym*no"tus\ (j[i^]m*n[=o]"t[u^]s), n. [NL., fr. Gr.
     gymno`s naked + nw^tos the back: cf. F. gymnote.] (Zool.)
     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.
     [1913 Webster]
  
           One fearful shock, fearful but momentary, like that
           from the electric blow of the gymnotus.  --De Quincey.
     [1913 Webster]