ˈanˌchōvē, anˈchō-, ˈanchə-, (ˈ)aan-, -vi noun
( plural anchovies or anchovy )
Etymology: Spanish anchova, anchoa, probably from Italian dialect (Genoa) ancioa, from (assumed) Vulgar Latin apjua, from Greek aphyē small fry (of any of several fishes)
: any of a number of small herringlike fishes (family Engraulidae) ; especially : a common Mediterranean form ( Engraulis encrasicholus ) esteemed for its rich and peculiar flavor and caught in vast numbers for preserving and for making sauces and relishes