finning

Variant of fin

fin definition

fin (fin)

noun

  1. any of several winglike, membranous organs on the body of a fish, dolphin, etc., used in swimming, turning, and balancing
  2. anything like a fin in shape or use; specif.,
    1. any narrow edge or ridge formed in manufacturing, as on a casting by metal forced through the halves of the mold
    2. any vertical airfoil, fixed or movable, whose chief function is to give stability in flight
    3. a stabilizing or steering projection on boats or submarines
    4. Slang a hand or arm

Etymology: ME < OE finn, akin to Du vin, Ger finne < IE *(s)pina-, point < base *(s)p(h)ei-, pointed stick > spit, spike

transitive verb finned, finning fin′·ning

to cut the fins from (a fish)

intransitive verb

to move the fins, esp. in a violent way

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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