The Collaborative International Dictionary
Gymnotus electricus
Gymnotus \Gym*no"tus\ (j[i^]m*n[=o]"t[u^]s), n. [NL., fr. Gr. gymno`s naked + nw^tos the back: cf. F. gymnote.] (Zo["o]l.) A genus of South American fresh-water fishes, including the Gymnotus electricus, or electric eel. It has a greenish, eel-like body, and is possessed of electric power.
One fearful shock, fearful but momentary, like that
from the electric blow of the gymnotus.
--De Quincey.