 2 definitions found
From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:
puffer
noun
1: delicacy that is highly dangerous because of a potent nerve
poison in ovaries and liver [syn: {blowfish}, {sea squab}]
2: 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: {blowfish}, {globefish}]
From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.44 [gcide]:
Puffer \Puff"er\, noun
1. One who puffs; one who praises with noisy or extravagant
commendation.
2. One who is employed by the owner or seller of goods sold
at suction to bid up the price; a by-bidder. --Bouvier.
3. (Zo["o]l.)
(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.
4. (Dyeing) A kier.
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