cod

UK: kɒd | US: kɑːd

Definition

  1. n. a large marine fish of the North Atlantic, commercially important as food

  2. n. (historical) a husk or pod

  3. n. (slang) a joke or hoax

Structure

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Etymology

The word "cod" traces back to Old English codd, meaning "bag" or "husk," likely referring to the fish's appearance or its egg sac. By the 13th century, it became the standard term for the North Atlantic fish. The slang sense of "joke" (19th century) may derive from the idea of something hollow or deceptive, akin to a "fish story."

Examples

  1. Fishermen caught several cod in the icy waters off Norway.

  2. In medieval times, peas were often stored in a cod.

  3. Don’t believe him—it’s just a cod!

  4. Cod liver oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

  5. The market price for cod has risen sharply this year.