/trig"euhr fish'/ , n. , pl. ( esp. collectively ) triggerfish , ( esp. referring to two or more kinds or species ) triggerfishes .
any of various compressed, deep-bodied fishes of the genus Balistes and allied genera, chiefly inhabiting tropical seas, having an anterior dorsal fin with three stout spines: some are edible while others are poisonous.
[ 1880-85; TRIGGER + FISH ]