elasmobranch

[ ih-las-muh-brangk, ih-laz- ]

adjective
  1. belonging or pertaining to the Elasmobranchii, the subclass of cartilaginous fishes comprising the sharks and rays.

noun
  1. an elasmobranch fish.

Origin of elasmobranch

1
1870–75; <New Latin Elasmobranchii, equivalent to Greek elasm(ós) beaten metal (derivative of elaúnein;see elastic) + -o--o- + -branchii, plural of -branchius,New Latin coinage based on Greek bránchiabranchia

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British Dictionary definitions for elasmobranch

elasmobranch

/ (ɪˈlæsməˌbræŋk, ɪˈlæz-) /


noun
  1. any cartilaginous fish of the subclass Elasmobranchii (or Selachii), which includes the sharks, rays, dogfish, and skates

adjective
  1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Elasmobranchii

Origin of elasmobranch

1
C19: from New Latin elasmobranchii, from Greek elasmos metal plate + brankhia gills
  • Also called: selachian

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for elasmobranch

elasmobranch

[ ĭ-lăzmə-brăngk′ ]


  1. 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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