chi
nook
Plural
chinooks
1
a large Pacific salmon valued as food, whose adults die after spawning
Chinook, also known as king salmon, is a majestic and highly sought-after species of salmon. Named after the Native American Chinook people, these fish are known for their large size, robust body shape, and vibrant silver coloration. Chinook salmon are native to the Pacific Northwest region of North America and are famous for their incredible strength and fighting ability. They undertake remarkable migrations, swimming hundreds of miles upstream to their natal rivers for spawning. Chinook salmon have a diverse diet, ranging from small fish and invertebrates to insects and plankton. Due to their exceptional size, prized flavor, and the challenge they pose to anglers, Chinook salmon have become iconic in sport fishing and are a valuable resource for commercial fisheries. Their conservation is of great importance, as they play a crucial role in the ecosystem and hold cultural significance for Indigenous communities.
- Fishermen caught several Chinook in the river this morning.
- The Chinook migrate upstream to spawn in freshwater streams.
- Native communities have long relied on Chinook for sustenance.
- A Chinook weighed over 20 kilograms in the commercial catch.
- Seasonal Chinook runs attract anglers from all over.
2
the edible pink or white meat of the Chinook salmon
- The chef prepared the Chinook in a baked fillet.
- The recipe calls for skinless chinook slices.
- Smoked chinook has a rich, distinctive flavor.
- Market prices for chinook vary depending on season.
- He bought frozen chinook for the week's meals.
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3
a Penutian language historically spoken by the Chinook people of the Pacific Northwest
- Linguists documented chinook to preserve its vocabulary and grammar.
- The chinook language includes words for local flora and fauna.
- Elders shared stories in chinook with younger generations.
- Chinook was used as a trade language among indigenous peoples.
- Efforts are underway to revive chinook in coastal communities.
Synonyms:
4
a Native American group of the Pacific Northwest, organized into settlements rather than tribes
- The Chinook were skilled traders along the Columbia River.
- Archaeologists study Chinook settlements to understand their culture.
- The Chinook relied on fishing, especially salmon, as a primary food source.
- Canoes were essential to the Chinook for transportation along the river.
- The Chinook language played a central role in regional trade networks.
5
a warm, dry wind that descends the eastern slopes of the Rocky Mountains, causing a rapid and significant increase in temperature
- The temperature soared unexpectedly as a chinook wind swept through the region, melting the snow rapidly.
- Residents experienced a sudden warm spell when the chinook arrived, bringing relief from the winter chill.
- The chinook wind dried up the wet, wintry landscape, creating a temporary thaw.
- Travelers rejoiced as the chinook breeze made driving conditions more pleasant by clearing icy roads.
- Farmers welcomed the chinook, as it helped prevent frost damage to crops during cold spells.
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