cory: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal; Semi-technical (in aquarium hobby context)
Quick answer
What does “cory” mean?
A short form for Corydoras, a genus of small, armoured freshwater catfish popular in aquariums.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A short form for Corydoras, a genus of small, armoured freshwater catfish popular in aquariums.
Informally used as a nickname or given name, typically a diminutive of names like Corey, Corinna, or Cornelius.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The aquarium hobby usage is international.
Connotations
As a name, 'Cory' may be perceived as slightly more informal or youthful in both regions.
Frequency
Equally low frequency as a common noun in both dialects. As a given name/nickname, it saw peaks in popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in the US.
Grammar
How to Use “cory” in a Sentence
[Aquarist] keeps [number] corys in [aquarium].[Name] Cory [verb]...Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in pet trade or aquarium supply businesses.
Academic
Used in ichthyology or zoology when discussing the Corydoras genus informally.
Everyday
Almost exclusively used by aquarium hobbyists or as a personal name.
Technical
A common name for fish in the subfamily Corydoradinae.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “cory”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “cory”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cory”
- Misspelling as 'corey' when referring to the fish.
- Using plural 'cories' (acceptable but less common) vs. 'corys' (standard in hobby).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a common name or informal shorthand for fish in the genus Corydoras. The formal scientific term is 'Corydoras'.
Yes, while historically more common for males, 'Cory' can be a nickname for female names like Corinne or Corinna.
It is pronounced /ˈkɔː.ri/, rhyming with 'story' without the 'st'.
The most accepted plural in the aquarium hobby is 'corys'. 'Cories' is also seen but is less standard.
A short form for Corydoras, a genus of small, armoured freshwater catfish popular in aquariums.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CORY exploring the CORE of the riverbed. It's a CORE member of a clean-up crew.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TINY ARMOURED TANK (for the fish, due to its bony plates).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'cory' most likely to refer to a living animal?