ˈ ̷ ̷ˌ ̷ ̷ noun
Etymology: white (I) + bait
1. : the young of several European herrings and especially of the common herring ( Clupea harengus ) or of the sprat ( C. sprattus )
2. : any of various small fishes likened to the European whitebait and used as food: as
a. : icefish a
b. : the young of various fishes of the genus Galaxias and of several salmonid fishes (genus Retropinna ) that appear in large schools in New Zealand rivers and lakes
c. : any of various smelts (family Osmeridae) of the coast of California
d. : any of numerous silversides (family Atherinidae)
e. : any of various anchovies of both fresh and salt water in the United States