globefish

globefish
    n 1: any of numerous marine fishes whose elongated spiny body
         can inflate itself with water or air to form a globe;
         several species contain a potent nerve poison; closely
         related to spiny puffers [syn: {puffer}, {pufferfish},
         {blowfish}, {globefish}]
    

Globefish \Globe"fish`\, n. (Zool.)
   A plectognath fish of the genera {Diodon}, {Tetrodon}, and
   allied genera. The globefishes can suck in water or air and
   distend the body to a more or less globular form. Called also
   {porcupine fish}, and {sea hedgehog}. See {Diodon}.
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Puffer \Puff"er\, n.
   1. One who puffs; one who praises with noisy or extravagant
      commendation.
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   2. One who is employed by the owner or seller of goods sold
      at suction to bid up the price; a by-bidder. --Bouvier.
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   3. (Zool.)
      (a) Any plectognath fish which inflates its body, as the
          species of {Tetrodon} and {Diodon} of the family
          {Tetraodontidae}; -- called also {blower},
          {puff-fish}, {swellfish}, and {globefish}. They are
          highly poisonous due to the presence of glands
          containing a potent toxin, {tetrodotoxin}.
          Nevertheless they are eaten as a delicacy in Japan,
          being prepared by specially licensed chefs who remove
          the poison glands.
      (b) The common, or harbor, porpoise.
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   4. (Dyeing) A kier.
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