Cetacean Definition

sĭ-tāshən
noun
In some systems of classification, any of an order (Cetacea) of nearly hairless, fishlike water mammals lacking external hind limbs but having paddlelike forelimbs, including whales, porpoises, and dolphins.
Webster's New World
adjective
Of the cetaceans.
Webster's New World

Pertaining to the zoologic order Cetacea, or associated with species falling under that taxonomic hierarchy.

The poached blubber was definitely cetacean in origin, but the particular species could not be identified.
Wiktionary

More generally, relating to large aquatic mammals, either directly or by analogy.

The obese woman, ungainly on land, moved with a kind of cetacean grace in the water.
Wiktionary
Synonyms:

Other Word Forms of Cetacean

Noun

Singular:
cetacean
Plural:
cetaceans

Origin of Cetacean

  • From New Latin Cētācea order name from Latin cētus whale Cetus

    From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition

  • New Latin cetacea, from Latin cetus (“whale”).

    From Wiktionary

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