crayfish

[krey-fish] /ˈkreɪˌfɪʃ/

noun, plural (especially collectively) crayfish (especially referring to two or more kinds or species) crayfishes.

Also called crawdad, crawdaddy. any freshwater decapod crustacean of the genera Astacus and Cambarus, closely related to but smaller than the lobsters.

any of several similar marine crustaceans, especially the spiny lobster.

Also, crawfish.

Origin

1350-1400; alteration (by folk etymology) of Middle English crevis < Middle French crevice < Old High German krebiz crab¹

Examples from the web for crayfish

But this bizarre strategy is all part of the mating ritual of the signal crayfish.
The predators feed on other fish, as well as small amounts of crab and crayfish.
These nocturnal foragers use lightning-quick paws to grab crayfish, frogs, and other aquatic creatures.
crayfish relieving themselves from an unlikely orifice is one such postulation.
Non-native shad, crayfish and mud snails provide food for salmon and other fish.
If you cannot tell the difference, apply the native crayfish regulations to your catch.
These legendary arthropods inspire strong feelings--fear of spiders and scorpions, and hunger for delicious crayfish.
crayfish are freshwater crustaceans resembling small lobsters.
The amount of crayfish needed for a serving varies according to the size and variety captured.
crayfish relative abundance responded differently to flooding at each site.

British Dictionary definitions for crayfish

crayfish

/ˈkreɪˌfɪʃ/

noun (pl) -fish, -fishes

any freshwater decapod crustacean of the genera Astacus and Cambarus, resembling a small lobster

any of various similar crustaceans, esp the spiny lobster

Word Origin

C14: cray, by folk etymology, from Old French crevice crab, from Old High German krebiz + fish

Word Origin and History for crayfish

"small, freshwater lobster," early 14c., crevis, from Old French crevice "crayfish" (13c., Modern French écrevisse), probably from Frankish *krebitja or a similar Germanic word that is a diminutive form of the root of crab (n.1); e.g. Old High German krebiz "crab, shellfish," German Krebs. Modern spelling is 16c., under influence of fish (n.).