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Gymnotus

(Science: zoology) 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)

Origin: NL, fr. Gr. Gymnos naked _ the back: cf. F. Gymnote.