Word of the Day, December 16: ‘Remora’

Word of the day: REMORA

Pronunciation: rem·o·ra UK /rɪˈmɔː.rə/  US /rɪˈmɔː.rə/

Meaning

Remora, a type of fish belonging to the family Echeneidae, commonly known as the suckerfish.

A remora is something or someone that acts as a hindrance, delay, or drag.

Origin and history

The word 'remora' originates from the Latin word 'remorari', meaning to linger' or 'to delay'.

This name reflects the ancient belief that remora fish, with their unique suction cups on their heads, could attach to ships and slow them down.

The genus name 'Echeneis' is derived from Greek words meaning to hold' and 'ship', further emphasising this historical misconception.

Cultural Significance and Modern usage:

In ancient Roman and Greek mythology, the remora was believed to have extraordinary powers. Sailors feared that even a small remora could halt massive ships and change the outcome of naval battles.

Roman writers, including Pliny the Elder, recorded stories of remoras delaying emperors and fleets.

The metaphorical meaning of 'remora' has survived long after the myth was disproven.

Over time, this belief shaped the metaphorical meaning of 'remora' as an invisible force that restrains progress—whether in personal growth, politics, or society.

Also read word of the day

Examples from literature

• “The other kids are bouncing around me like remoras swimming under a great white.”- Marcus Vega Doesn’t Speak Spanish by Pablo Cartaya
• “The fish that had thus singularly fallen into their hands was, as Ben had stated, the sucking-fish, Echeneis remora—one of the most curious creatures that inhabit the sea.”-The Ocean Waifs: A Story of Adventure on Land and Sea by Captain Mayne Reid

Interesting facts

• Remoras attach themselves to sharks, turtles, whales, and even ships for transportation and protection.
• Their suction disc is a modified dorsal fin, not a mouth.
• Remoras do not actually slow down ships, this was a long-standing myth.
• They feed on parasites and leftover scraps, making them helpful rather than harmful.
• Remoras can grow up to one metre long, making them far larger than most people expect from a “suckerfish”.

Synonyms

• Hindrance
• Obstacle
• Drag
• Suckerfish
• Sucking fish

Antonyms

• Relief
•  Aid
• Support
• Advantage

Read more word of the day here.