Elasmobranch definition
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.
noun
Designating or of a class (Chondrichthyes) of fishes characterized by cartilaginous skeletons, placoid scales, and lack of air bladders.
adjective
Any fish of this class, as the shark, skate, or ray.
noun
Any of numerous cartilaginous fishes of the subclass Elasmobranchii, having five to seven gill slits on each side, dermal denticles for scales, and a small respiratory opening (spiracle) behind each eye. The pectoral fins of elasmobranchs are often greatly enlarged. Elasmobranchs include the sharks, rays, and skates.
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Other Word Forms
Noun
Singular:
elasmobranch
Plural:
elasmobranches, elasmobranchsOrigin of elasmobranch
- From New Latin Elasmobranchiī subclass name Greek elasmos metal beaten out (from elaunein elas- to beat) Latin branchia gill branchia
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition