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shad

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(s̸had)

noun pl. shad or shads

any of various marine or freshwater clupeid fishes; esp.,

an American coastal food fish (Alosa sapidissima)
a species (Dorosoma cepedianum) widely introduced into fresh waters of the U.S. as food for other fish

Origin: OE sceadd, akin to Norw dial. skadd, prob. < IE base *skēt-, to leap, spring up

See shad in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. shad shad or shads

Any of several food fishes of the genus Alosa, especially the North American species A. sapidissima, related to the herrings but atypical in swimming up streams from marine waters to spawn.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English *schad

Origin: , from Old English sceadd

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