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sprat
(sprat)
noun
any of a genus (Sprattus) of small, silvery herrings of temperate seas, esp. a European species (S. sprattus) often canned as food
Origin: < ME sprotte < OE sprott: for IE base see sprout
See sprat in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
- A small marine food fish (Clupea sprattus) of northeast Atlantic waters that is eaten fresh or smoked and is often canned in oil as a sardine. Also called brisling.
- Any of various other similar fishes, such as a young herring.
Origin:
Origin: Middle English sprot, spratte
Origin: , from Old English sprot
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