The Collaborative International Dictionary
Engraulis encrasicholus
Anchovy \An*cho"vy\ ([a^]n*ch[=o]"v[y^]), n. [Sp. anchoa, anchova, or Pg. anchova, prob. of Iberian origin, and lit. a dried or pickled fish, fr. Bisc. antzua dry: cf. D. anchovis, F. anchois.] (Zo["o]l.) A small fish, about three inches in length, of the Herring family ( Engraulis encrasicholus), caught in vast numbers in the Mediterranean, and pickled for exportation. The name is also applied to several allied species.