Remora
/rɪˈmɔː.rə/noun
A marine fish with a suction disc on its head that attaches to larger animals or vessels.
Did you know?Ancient writers, including Pliny the Elder, claimed the remora could halt a ship even when its sails were full, giving it an almost magical reputation.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mor-
“To linger, delay, or remain; a proposed ancient root behind Latin mora.”
Classical Latin
Latin
mora
“Delay, hindrance, or obstacle.”
Classical Latin
Latin
remorari
“To delay or hold back, from re- (“back”) plus morari (“delay”).”
Classical Latin
Latin
remora
“A delay or hindrance; also the name given to the suction fish believed to impede ships.”
16th Century
English
remora
“A fish reputed to stop or retard ships.”
Modern English
English
remora
“A marine suckerfish, also called a sharksucker, that attaches itself to larger animals and objects.”
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