cete

1 of 3

noun (1)

ˈsēt
plural -s
: whale

cete

2 of 3

noun (2)

ˈsēt
plural -s
of badgers

Cete

3 of 3
Ce·​te
ˈsēˌtē

taxonomic synonym of cetacea

Word History

Etymology

Noun (1)

Latin cetus

Noun (2)

perhaps from Latin coetus coming together, assembly, from coitus, past participle of coire to come together, from co- + ire to go

New Latin, from Latin (plural of cetus whale), from Greek kētē (plural of kētos sea monster, whale)

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near cete

Cite this Entry

“Cete.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cete. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!