Definition
oolichan
noun
- A small, silvery fish of the smelt family found in the North Pacific, valued for its high oil content.
Usage: Also spelled eulachon or ooligan; Regional: Pacific Northwest
Examples
- The oolichan was an important food source for Indigenous peoples of the Pacific Northwest.
- Oolichan oil, rendered from the fish, was traditionally used for cooking and lighting.
- During the spring run, fishermen would catch large quantities of oolichan.
- The oolichan's high fat content made it ideal for rendering into oil.