acanthopterygian

[ ak-uhn-thop-tuh-rij-ee-uhn ]

adjective

1. belonging or pertaining to the Acanthopterygii (Acanthopteri), the group of spiny-finned fishes, including the bass and perch.

noun

1. an acanthopterygian fish.

acanthopterygian

/ ˌækənˌθɒptəˈrɪdʒɪən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Acanthopterygii, a large group of teleost fishes having spiny fin rays. The group includes most saltwater bony fishes

noun

1. any fish belonging to the Acanthopterygii

acanthopterygian

/ ăk′ən-thŏp′tə-rĭj′ē-ən /

1. Any of a large group of teleost fishes of the superorder Acanthopterygii, having spiny rays in the dorsal and anal fins and including the bass, perch, mackerel, and swordfish.

Word History and Origins

Origin of acanthopterygian¹

1825–35; < New Latin Acanthopterygi ( i ) ( acantho- acantho- + Greek pterýgi ( on ) small wing, fin + Latin -ī masculine plural ending) + -an

Word History and Origins

Origin of acanthopterygian¹

C19: from New Latin Acanthopterygii, from acantho- + Greek pterúgion fin

Example Sentences

Well, Captain Morhange," Le Mesge called out to my comrade who had taken a mouthful of fish, "what do you say to this acanthopterygian?

From Project Gutenberg