n. A small sturgeon (Acipenser ruthenus) native to rivers flowing into the Black and Caspian Seas, having roe that is used for caviar. [Russian sterlyad', from Old Russian sterlyadĭ, sterlyagŭ, from German Störling, small sturgeon : Stör, sturgeon (from Middle High German stüre, störe, from Old High German sturio, sturo; see STURGEON) + -ling, diminutive suffix.] |
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