pollack
UK[ˈpɒlək]US[ˈpɑːlək]
n
An edible marine fish with a greenish-brown back and a white underside, related to the cod.
n
A commercially important North Atlantic food fish, also called pollock or coalfish.
Etymology
The word 'pollack' entered English in the early 15th century, borrowed from the earlier Scottish 'podlok' or 'paddock'. Its ultimate origin is obscure but may be connected to the Celtic word poll, meaning 'a hole or pit', possibly in reference to the fish's habitat. The spelling stabilized as 'pollack' in English, with the variant 'pollock' arising later. As a borrowed term for a specific animal, it followed the common pattern where the name of a culturally significant species is adopted wholesale from the language of the people most familiar with it.
Analysis
This word is a simplex form. It is a loanword whose spelling and form have been anglicized from its original source, making internal morphemes from the donor language non-apparent in the modern English spelling.
Examples
The chef prepared a delicious pan-seared pollack with lemon butter sauce.
Sustainable fishing practices are crucial for maintaining pollack populations in the North Sea.
For this recipe, you can substitute cod with pollack, as they have a similar texture.