Gym*no"tus (?), n. [NL., fr. Gr. gymno`s naked + the back: cf. F. gymnote.] Zool.
A genus of South American fresh-water fishes, including the Gymnotus electricus, or electric eel. It has a greenish, eel-like body, and is possessed of electric power.
One fearful shock, fearful but momentary, like from the electric blow of the gymnotus.
De Quincey.
© Webster 1913.