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minnow

1. (Science: zoology) A small European fresh water cyprinoid fish (Phoxinus laevis, formerly Leuciscus phoxinus); sometimes applied also to the young of larger kinds; called also minim and minny. The name is also applied to several allied American species, of the genera Phoxinus, Notropis, or Minnilus, and Rhinichthys.

2. (Science: zoology) Any of numerous small American cyprinodont fishes of the genus fundulus, and related genera. They live both in fresh and in salt water. Called also killifish, minny, and mummichog.

Origin: OE. Menow, cf. AS. Myne; also OE. Menuse, OF. Menuise small fish; akin to E. Minish, minute

Alternative forms: minow.