Stickleback (noun)

1. A small, spiny fish of the family Gasterosteidae, found in both salt and freshwater.
2. Any of several species of freshwater fish with bony spines along their backs and a distinctive crest of spines on their heads.

Origin:

Of uncertain origin, but first recorded in the early 16th century. the word may be a variation of the old english word 'stikel', meaning 'spiny fish'.

Examples:

1. The stickleback was a fascinating creature, with a distinctive appearance and aggressive behavior.
2. The stickleback's spines were a defensive adaptation, deterring predators from attacking the fish.
3. The stickleback was an important food source for birds, mammals, and other fish.
4. The stickleback was a hardy species, able to survive in a variety of aquatic habitats, from streams to estuaries.
5. The stickleback was a popular subject for scientific study, as its biology and behavior provided insight into evolutionary processes.