roach
UK[rəʊtʃ]US[roʊtʃ]
n
a cockroach, an insect with a flat, oval body and long antennae, often considered a pest.
n
a european freshwater fish of the carp family, with a silvery body and red fins.
Etymology
the word 'roach' is an abbreviation of 'cockroach', which entered english in the 17th century from the spanish word 'cucaracha'. the spanish term is likely of onomatopoeic origin, imitating the scuttling sound or appearance of the insect. the shortened form 'roach' became common in american english. the unrelated fish name 'roach' comes from middle english 'roche', from old french, and has a separate etymological lineage.
Analysis
the word is a simplex loanword. its modern english form is a shortening of the earlier word 'cockroach'.
Examples
i saw a large roach scuttle under the refrigerator.
the angler was delighted to catch a fine roach from the river.
they had to call an exterminator to deal with the roach infestation in the apartment.