elasmobranch

e·las·mo·branch  (-lzm-brngk)

n.

Any of numerous fishes of the class Chondrichthyes, characterized by a cartilaginous skeleton and placoid scales and including the sharks, rays, and skates.

adj.

Of or belonging to the class Chondrichthyes.

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[From New Latin Elasmobranchi, former subclass name : Greek elasmos, metal beaten out (from elaunein, elas-, to beat) + Latin branchia, gill; see branchia.]

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elasmobranch [ɪˈlæsməˌbræŋk ɪˈlæz-]

n

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) any cartilaginous fish of the subclass Elasmobranchii (or Selachii), which includes the sharks, rays, dogfish, and skates

adj

(Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Animals) of, relating to, or belonging to the Elasmobranchii Also called selachian

[from New Latin elasmobranchii, from Greek elasmos metal plate + brankhia gills]

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elasmobranch  (-lzm-brngk)

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.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

elasmobranch - any of numerous fishes of the class Chondrichthyes characterized by a cartilaginous skeleton and placoid scales: sharks; rays; skates selachian cartilaginous fish, chondrichthian - fishes in which the skeleton may be calcified but not ossified Elasmobranchii, Selachii, subclass Elasmobranchii, subclass Selachii - sharks; rays; dogfishes; skates shark - any of numerous elongate mostly marine carnivorous fishes with heterocercal caudal fins and tough skin covered with small toothlike scales ray - cartilaginous fishes having horizontally flattened bodies and enlarged winglike pectoral fins with gills on the underside; most swim by moving the pectoral fins