pollock
UK[ˈpɒlək]US[ˈpɑːlək]
n
A common edible greenish-brown marine fish with a white underside, found in the North Atlantic.
n
Another term for Alaska pollock, a related fish of the North Pacific, widely used in processed foods.
Etymology
The word 'pollock' entered English in the early 17th century. Its origin is uncertain, but it is likely an alteration of the earlier Scottish term 'podlok' or 'paddock', which itself may have Celtic origins. The name has no intrinsic descriptive meaning related to the fish's characteristics; instead, it functions as a simple, opaque label that was adopted into the language through regional dialects and fishermen's vernacular. Over time, it stabilized as the standard common name for these two commercially significant species of fish.
Analysis
The word 'pollock' is a simplex word. It is a loanword whose form does not readily break down into meaningful sub-parts in modern English.
Examples
Grilled pollock with lemon and herbs makes for a light and healthy dinner.
The fish sticks were made from sustainably sourced Alaska pollock.
Fishermen reported a large school of pollock in the bay this season.