elasmobranch

[ ih-las-muh-brangk, ih-laz- ]

adjective

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

noun

1. an elasmobranch fish.

elasmobranch

/ ɪˈlæz-; ɪˈlæsməˌbræŋk /

noun

1. any cartilaginous fish of the subclass Elasmobranchii (or Selachii ), which includes the sharks, rays, dogfish, and skates

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Elasmobranchii

elasmobranch

/ ĭ-lăz′mə-brăngk′ /

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of elasmobranch¹

1870–75; < New Latin Elasmobranchii, equivalent to Greek elasm ( ós ) beaten metal (derivative of elaúnein; elastic ) + -o- -o- + -branchii, plural of -branchius, New Latin coinage based on Greek bránchia branchia

Word History and Origins

Origin of elasmobranch¹

C19: from New Latin elasmobranchii, from Greek elasmos metal plate + brankhia gills

Example Sentences

The most “gratifying” result, Lewison says, was with elasmobranchs, the group that includes sharks and rays.

From Science Magazine

And since at least the 1970s, researchers have suspected that the elasmobranchs—a group of fish containing sharks, rays, skates, and sawfish—can detect magnetic fields.

From Science Magazine

Scientists say the effort, Stegostoma tigrinum Augmentation and Recovery, is the first time such a recovery strategy has been tried for elasmobranch fishes, which include sharks and rays.

From Science Magazine

In all, more than 500 elasmobranch species are alive today.

From The Guardian

When looking at luminescent switch-on in relation to behavioural usage, they reported that the switch on is induced by two hormones, both of which are involved in elasmobranch physiological control of colour change.

From The Guardian