Salmon \Salm"on\ (s[a^]m"[u^]n), n.; pl. Salmons (-[u^]nz) or (collectively) Salmon. [OE. saumoun, salmon, F. saumon, fr. L. salmo, salmonis, perhaps from salire to leap. Cf. Sally, v.]

1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of several species of fishes of the genus Salmo and allied genera. The common salmon (Salmo salar) of Northern Europe and Eastern North America, and the California salmon, or quinnat, are the most important species. They are extensively preserved for food. See Quinnat.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)