right whale

any of a family (Balaenidae) of large-headed baleen whales lacking a dorsal fin and longitudinal wrinkles on the throat and chest

Origin: reason for name uncert.

See right whale in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
Any of several whales of the family Balaenidae, characterized by a large head, whalebone plates in the mouth, and absence of a dorsal fin.

Origin:

Origin: Because it was the “right” whale to kill

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