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skipjack

Pronunciation: /ˈskɪpdʒak/

Definition of skipjack

noun

1 (also skipjack tuna) a small tuna with dark horizontal stripes, widely distributed throughout tropical and temperate seas. Also called bonito or oceanic bonito.
- Katsuwonus (or Euthynnus) pelamis, family Scombridae

2another term for click beetle.

3a sloop-rigged sailing boat of a kind used off the east coast of the US.

Origin:

early 18th century: from the verb skip¹ + jack¹. skipjack (sense 1) is from the fish's habit of jumping out of the water; skipjack (sense 2), skipjack (sense 3) arose in the 19th century