minke

[ ming-kee ]

noun

1. a dark-colored baleen whale, Baleanoptera acutorostrata, inhabiting temperate and polar seas and growing to a length of 33 feet (10 meters): reduced in numbers.

Word History and Origins

Origin of minke¹

1930–35; < Norwegian minkehval, allegedly after a crew member of the Norwegian whaling pioneer Svend Foyn (1809–94), named Meincke, who mistook a pod of minkes for blue whales

Example Sentences

But minke whales have an acutely pointed snout, a single head ridge, and a white band on each flipper.

From Project Gutenberg

Like Bryde's whales, minke whales often approach close to vessels.

From Project Gutenberg

Further, minke whales rarely reach 30 feet (9.1 m) in maximum length.

From Project Gutenberg

Bryde's whales, like minke whales, reportedly often approach close to vessels as if curious about them.

From Project Gutenberg

At sea Bryde's whales may be confused with sei whales, fin whales, and perhaps minke whales.

From Project Gutenberg