elasmobranch

American  

[ih-las-muh-brangk, ih-laz-] / ɪˈlæs məˌbræŋk, ɪˈlæz- /

adjective

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

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noun

1. an elasmobranch fish.

elasmobranch British  

/ ɪˈlæz-, ɪˈlæsməˌbræŋk /

noun

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

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adjective

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

elasmobranch Scientific  

/ ĭ-lăz′mə-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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Etymology

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 bránchia branchia