szilán

The term "szilán" is a Hungarian word. It most commonly refers to a type of fishing net. Specifically, a szilán is a type of dragnet or trawl net, often used for catching small fish in rivers and lakes. These nets are typically cone-shaped, with a wide opening at the front that tapers to a closed end. They are pulled through the water, either by boats or by people wading in the shallows, to scoop up fish.

The construction of a szilán can vary, but it generally involves a mesh net attached to two poles or handles at the opening. The mesh size is chosen based on the target species, with smaller mesh used for smaller fish. Historically, the szilán has been a traditional fishing tool in Hungary and surrounding regions, employed by both commercial and subsistence fishermen. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to gather fish from a significant volume of water as it is dragged.

In a broader, though less common, context, "szilán" can also be a surname of Hungarian origin. As with many surnames, its etymology is not always definitively known, but it is present within the Hungarian population. However, the primary and most widely recognized meaning of "szilán" relates to the fishing implement.