dorsal fin

noun

plural dorsal fins
: a flat thin body part that projects from the back of many fish (such as trout, barracuda, and sharks) and some marine mammals (such as dolphins)
Porpoises have a more triangular dorsal fin while a dolphin's dorsal fin is more curved.Naomi Corrigan and Dave Himelfield
This member of the perch family has two dorsal fins and a large mouth outfitted with sharp teeth …Matt Markey

Word History

First Known Use

1752, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dorsal fin was in 1752

Dictionary Entries Near dorsal fin

Cite this Entry

“Dorsal fin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dorsal%20fin. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

dorsal fin

noun
: a fin on the ridge along the middle of the back of a fish or sea mammal (as a whale)
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