ˈsamən sometimes ˈsäm- or ˈsȧm- noun
( plural salmon also salmons )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English salmoun, samoun, from Middle French saumon, samon, from Latin salmon-, salmo
1.
a. : a large isospondylous anadromous game fish ( Salmo salar ) that frequents coastal waters of the northern Atlantic and ascends adjacent streams of Europe and No. America to spawn, is extremely variable in appearance especially at different ages and under different conditions of life, commonly attains a weight of 15 pounds, and is noted for its gaminess as a sport fish and the quality of its flesh as a table fish — see grilse , parr , smolt ; landlocked salmon , ouananiche
b. : any of various other anadromous fishes of the family Salmonidae ; especially : a fish of the genus Oncorhynchus that lives in and breeds in rivers tributary to the northern Pacific — often used with a qualifying term; see dog salmon , king salmon , humpback salmon , silver salmon , sockeye
2. : any of various fishes of families other than Salmonidae having some point of resemblance (as pink flesh) to a true salmon: as
a. : australian salmon
b. : barramunda a
c. : any of several sciaenid fishes ; especially : geelbec 2
d. : walleyed pike
3. : the flesh of a salmon used as food either fresh or cured and smoked
4. : the variable color of salmon's flesh averaging a strong yellowish pink that is darker and slightly yellower than salmon pink, yellower and deeper than melon, and yellower than peach red