pelvic fin

noun

: one of the paired fins of a fish that are homologous with the hind limbs of a quadruped

Examples of pelvic fin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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These remarkable animals can use their pectoral and pelvic fins to shuffle across tidal flats and coral reefs exposed during low tides. Scott Travers, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025 This species has a distinctive appearance with smooth, scaleless skin and long, filamentous pectoral and pelvic fins that resemble limbs more than typical fins. Scott Travers, Forbes, 15 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1882, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pelvic fin was in 1882

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Cite this Entry

“Pelvic fin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pelvic%20fin. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

pelvic fin

noun
: either of a pair of fins of a fish that correspond to the hind limbs of a four-footed animal compare pectoral fin
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