razorback

[ rey-zer-bak ]

noun

1. a finback or rorqual.
2. a wild or semiwild hog with a ridgelike back, common in the southern U.S.
3. a sharp narrow ridge or range of hills.

adjective

1. Also razor·backed, razor-backed. having a sharp ridge along the back.

razorback

/ ˈreɪzəˌbæk /

noun

1. Also calledfinback the common rorqual See rorqual
2. a semiwild or wild pig of the southeastern US, having a narrow body, long legs, and a ridged back

Word History and Origins

Origin of razorback¹

First recorded in 1815–25; razor + back ¹

Example Sentences

That's caused a loss of riparian forest, which supported birds and other wildlife, and pushed four native fish — humpback chub, bonytail chub, Colorado pikeminnow and razorback sucker — to the brink of extinction.

From Salon

Lake Mead Fish Hatchery, which used to breed endangered razorback sucker and bonytail chub, ceased operations earlier this year when the lake dipped below the point where the hatchery drew its water.

From Washington Times

They were making their way steadily eastward through the razorbacks that formed South Georgia’s spine.

From Literature

It also follows a July Fish and Wildlife proposal to move another rare Colorado River fish, the razorback sucker, from endangered status to threatened.

From Seattle Times

Whether you call them feral pigs, boar, swine, hogs, or even razorbacks, wild pigs are one of the most damaging invasive species on Earth, and they’re notorious for damaging agriculture and native wildlife.

From Scientific American

Related Words

• boar
• pig
• piglet
• swine