dolphin
dolphin definition
dol·phin (däl′fin, dôl′-)
noun
- any of two widespread families (Platanistidae and Delphinidae) of toothed whales having high levels of intelligence and usually a beaklike snout
- any of a percoid family (Coryphaenidae) of marine game fishes with colors that brighten and change when the fish is taken out of the water
- Naut. a buoy, pile, or, esp., a cluster of piles for mooring a vessel
Etymology: ME dolfin < OFr dalphin < VL dalfinus, for L delphinus < Gr delphinos, gen. of delphis (< IE base *gwelbh-): so named from its shape
dolphin Idioms
the Dolphin
the constellation Delphinus
Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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