dab; small plaice
Refers to a small flatfish, typically a dab or young plaice. Used in fishing and culinary contexts.
I bought a fresh dab at the market.
Simmered dab is delicious.
Compound of 小 (こ, 'small') and 鰈 (かれい, 'plaice, righteye flounder'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the spelling is conventionally associated with the meaning.