crayfish
UK[ˈkreɪfɪʃ]US[ˈkreɪˌfɪʃ]
n
a small animal that lives in rivers and streams, similar to a lobster but much smaller, with a hard shell and two large claws.
n
the flesh of this animal used as food.
Etymology
the word 'crayfish' has a fascinating history of folk etymology. it originates from the middle english 'crevis', borrowed from the old french 'crevice', which itself derived from the frankish (germanic) word 'krebitja-', meaning 'crab'. this frankish root is related to the old high german 'krebiʒ' and the modern german 'krebs'. the modern english spelling 'crayfish' (and its variant 'crawfish') emerged in the 16th century due to a false association; the final syllable of 'crevis' was mistakenly heard as 'fish', leading to the altered form. thus, the word literally means 'crab-fish', a hybrid born from linguistic reinterpretation, even though the creature is not a fish.
Analysis
this word is a loanword and its spelling does not reflect a transparent combination of meaningful english morphemes. it is an etymological simplex in modern english.
Examples
we spent the afternoon catching crayfish in the shallow creek.
crayfish are often used in southern louisiana cuisine.
the biologist studied the impact of pollution on the local crayfish population.