PUFFER

puffer, pufferfish, blowfish, globefish

(noun) any of numerous marine fishes whose elongated spiny body can inflate itself with water or air to form a globe; several species contain a potent nerve poison; closely related to spiny puffers

blowfish, sea squab, puffer, pufferfish

(noun) delicacy that is highly dangerous because of a potent nerve poison in ovaries and liver

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

puffer (plural puffers)

Someone or something that puffs.

Any of several poisonous fish, of the family Tetraodontidae, which have the ability to inflate their bodies when in danger.

A manually-operated inhaler.

(dated, childish) A train; a locomotive, usually one that is steam-powered.

A Clyde puffer, a kind of small ship.

(slang) A car left idling to warm up, emitting steam from the rear.

(fashion) An insulated puffy jacket, such as a down jacket.

(dated) A person who gives exaggerated praise to a product, literary work, etc.

(dated, slang) One who is employed by the owner or seller of goods sold at auction to bid up the price; a by-bidder.

(derogatory) An alchemist; so named from their constant attendance to the bellows of their furnaces.

The common, or harbour, porpoise.

A kier used in dyeing.

(glassblowing) A soffietta.

(cellular automata) A finite pattern that moves like a spaceship but leaves a trail of debris.

Synonyms

• (fish): globefish, pufferfish

Source: Wiktionary

Puff"er, n.

1. One who puffs; one who praises with noisy or extravagant commendation.

2. One who is employed by the owner or seller of goods sold at suction to bid up the price; a by-bidder. Bouvier.

3. (Zoöl.) (a) Any plectognath fish which inflates its body, as the species of Tetrodon and Diodon; -- called also blower, puff-fish, swellfish, and globefish. (b) The common, or harbor, porpoise.

4. (Dyeing)

Definition: A kier.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition