ganoid

[ gan-oid ]

adjective

1. of or relating to the Ganoidei, a group of mostly extinct fishes characterized by hard, bony scales, the living species of which include the paddlefishes, sturgeons, and gars.
2. (of the scale of a fish) having a smooth, shiny surface of ganoin or a similar substance.

noun

1. a ganoid fish.

ganoid

/ ˈɡænɔɪd /

adjective

1. (of the scales of certain fishes) consisting of an inner bony layer and an outer layer of an enamel-like substance (ganoin)
2. denoting fishes, including the sturgeon and bowfin, having such scales

noun

1. a ganoid fish

Other Words From

• sub·ganoid adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of ganoid¹

1830–40; < French ganoïde < Greek gán ( os ) brightness + -oïde -oid

Word History and Origins

Origin of ganoid¹

C19: from French ganoïde, from Greek ganos brightness + -oid

Example Sentences

Asterolepis, a genus of primitive ganoid fishes, found only in a fossil state in the Old Red Sandstone.

From Project Gutenberg

There are no doubt some points which require further elucidation amongst the Ganoid and Osseous fishes.

From Project Gutenberg

Pterichthys, ter-ik′this, n. a genus of fossil ganoid fishes in the Old Red Sandstone strata, with wing-like pectoral fins.

From Project Gutenberg

There are seven living kinds of ganoid fish and all are found in fresh water.

From Project Gutenberg

From these primitive fishes were evolved higher fishes of the ganoid type and others of the type of Lepidosiren (Dipneusta).

From Project Gutenberg