elasmobranch

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

adjective

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

noun

an elasmobranch fish.

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

Words nearby elasmobranch

elamitic, eland, elapid, elapse, elara, elasmobranch, elasmosaur, elastance, elastane, elastase, elastic

Example sentences from the Web for elasmobranch

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

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.