elasmobranch

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

/ ɪˈlæs məˌbræŋk, ɪˈlæz- /

Save This Word!

adjective

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

noun

an elasmobranch fish.

QUIZ

THINGAMABOB OR THINGUMMY: CAN YOU DISTINGUISH BETWEEN THE US AND UK TERMS IN THIS QUIZ?

Do you know the difference between everyday US and UK terminology? Test yourself with this quiz on words that differ across the Atlantic.

Question 1 of 7

In the UK, COTTON CANDY is more commonly known as…

candystring

candyfloss

candypuff

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of elasmobranch

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

Words nearby elasmobranch

élan vital, elapid, elapse, Elara, E.L.A.S., elasmobranch, elasmosaur, elastance, elastane, elastase, elastic

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use elasmobranch in a sentence

Next in point of time to the paper of Schenk, is my own preliminary account of the development of the Elasmobranch Fishes.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume 1|Francis Maitland Balfour
This difference no doubt depends upon the greater quantity of yolk particles present in the Elasmobranch ovum.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume 1|Francis Maitland Balfour
One of the most interesting features in the Elasmobranch development is the formation of the notochord from the hypoblast.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume 1|Francis Maitland Balfour
Its existence must be regarded as one of the most remarkable results of my researches upon the Elasmobranch nervous system.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume 1|Francis Maitland Balfour

The development of the Elasmobranch ovary has recently formed the subject of three investigations.
The Works of Francis Maitland Balfour, Volume 1|Francis Maitland Balfour

British Dictionary definitions for elasmobranch

elasmobranch

/ (ɪˈlæsməˌbræŋk, ɪˈlæz-) /

noun

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

adjective

of, relating to, or belonging to the Elasmobranchii

Also called: selachian

Word Origin for elasmobranch

C19: from New Latin elasmobranchii, from Greek elasmos metal plate + brankhia gills

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-lăz′mə-brăngk′ ]

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.