elasmobranch
designating or of a class (Chondrichthyes) of fishes characterized by cartilaginous skeletons, placoid scales, and lack of air bladders
Origin of elasmobranch
from Modern Latin Elasmobranchii from Classical Greek elasmos, beaten metal (akin to elastic) + Classical Latin branchia, gills any fish of this class, as the shark, skate, or ray
elasmobranch
noun
Any of various cartilaginous fishes of the subclass Elasmobranchii, having five to seven pairs of lateral gill slits and including the sharks, rays, and skates.
Origin of elasmobranch
From New Latin Elasmobranchiī subclass name Greek elasmos metal beaten out ( from elaunein elas- to beat )Latin branchia gill ; see branchia .Related Forms:
- e·las′mo·branch′
adjective
elasmobranch
Noun
(plural elasmobranchs or elasmobranches)
- Any of many cartilaginous fish of the subclass Elasmobranchii
