\Gym*no"tus\, n. [NL., fr. Gr. gymno`s naked + ? the
back: cf. F. gymnote.] (Zo["o]l.)
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.