n.
Pronunciation: ' an- ˌ ch ō -v ē , an- '
Function: noun
Inflected Form: plural -vies or -vy
Etymology: Spanish anchova
Date: 1595
: any of a family (Engraulidae) of small fishes resembling herrings that includes several (as Engraulis encrasicholus ) that are important food fishes used especially in appetizers, as a garnish, and for making sauces and relishes