This etymology apparently assumes an intermediate stage in the form *λαβορά, formed from βορά, with the addition of the (supposed) prefix la-, meaning "great food". The fall of the o is not commented on, but such vocalic shortening was regarded a common accident by ancient grammarians. Secondly, λάβραξ would have been derived from *λαβ(ο)ρά. The parallel with lithos/lithax suggests that adjectives in -αξ derive from nouns, which is why the implied intermediate step is probably not *laboros (abundance of food). But a parallel definition in Etym. Magnum explicitly refers to an intermediate form *λάβορος. From a semiological point of view, the etymology is not very satisfactory, even if we follow it without difficulty: the adjective is built on the meaning of the verb (βοράω: to eat) and not of the noun (βορά: food).