bonito
UK[bəˈniːtəʊ]US[bəˈniːtoʊ]
n
a medium-sized, fast-swimming fish of the mackerel family, with dark stripes on its back, found in warm seas.
n
any of several related fishes, especially of the genera sarda or euthynnus.
Etymology
the word "bonito" entered english in the 16th century from spanish and portuguese, where it means "pretty" or "handsome," likely referring to the fish's appearance. the spanish/portuguese term is a diminutive form of "bueno" (good), from latin "bonus" meaning "good." the semantic journey is from the general latin concept of "good" to the spanish/portuguese descriptor "pretty," which was then applied as the name for the attractively colored fish. english borrowed the term directly to name the fish, retaining its form but largely shedding the original "pretty" connotation in everyday usage.
Analysis
this word is a loanword adopted as a single unit from spanish/portuguese. it is not productively formed from smaller, meaningful english morphemes.
Examples
the angler was thrilled to catch a large bonito just offshore.
grilled bonito is a popular dish in many mediterranean coastal towns.
bonito are often used as live bait for catching larger game fish like tuna.