roe

Everyday

1. Roe is the mass of eggs inside a female fish, often eaten as food. tree →
2. A roe or roe deer is a small deer of Europe and Asia with a reddish coat; the male is called a roebuck. tree →

In the lessons

In science lessons, roe is a stage in the life cycle of fish (eggs). In food lessons, cod roe and salmon roe are eaten in many countries; caviar is the roe of the sturgeon. In nature lessons in the UK and Ireland, roe deer live in woods. Phrases: «cod roe», «salmon roe», «roe deer».

Examples

• The salmon laid her roe in the gravel of the river. tree →
• Caviar is a very expensive kind of roe. tree →
• Grandad likes cod roe on toast. tree →
• We saw a roe deer at the edge of the wood. tree →
• The orange balls on the sushi were fish roe. tree →
• A roe deer is smaller than a red deer. tree →
• The Roe was petted and caressed, and ran about at will in the palace gardens. tree →

Note

Fish roe is uncountable («some roe»). Sounds the same as «row» (a line, or to move a boat with oars) and «Roe» in names. Do not confuse with «doe», a female deer.

In Jewish tradition

Asahel's fast running is compared to a wild roe; the roe or gazelle also appears in the Song of Songs as a graceful picture of love.

Interpretation. Tradition often uses the gazelle as an image of speed and grace; the Sages say to be "swift as a gazelle" in doing God's commands.

Examples

• And the three sons of Zeruiah were there, Joab, and Abishai, and Asahel; and Asahel was as light of foot as one of the roes that are in the field. (Prophets 2SA.2.18, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Fish roe is uncountable («some roe»). Sounds the same as «row» (a line, or to move a boat with oars) and «Roe» in names. Do not confuse with «doe», a female deer.