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Glite Dictionary
Malacopterygii

Malacopterygii

9.9
A group of fish with soft fins that have thin, flexible supports rather than sharp spines, like salmon
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Malacopterygii
  • Unlike their relatives, members of the Malacopterygii have soft fins without sharp spines.

Examples

  • The Malacopterygii include many familiar fish such as salmon and cod.

  • Scientists study the diversity of Malacopterygii to understand fish evolution.

  • The Malacopterygii include many familiar fish species.

  • Have you ever studied Malacopterygii in your biology class?

  • Scientists study the diversity of Malacopterygii to understand the evolutionary adaptations of these soft-finned fishes.

  • The Malacopterygii include many common fish species, such as salmon and cod, that are important for both ecosystems and fisheries.

  • Unlike other fish, members of the Malacopterygii display flexible fins supported by cartilaginous rays rather than spines.

Synonyms

superorder Malacopterygii
vsMalacopterygii
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of fish with soft fins held by flexible cartilage rays

is a broader general grouping rather than a strict taxonomic label

Compounds

superorder Malacopterygii
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of fish with soft fins held by flexible cartilage rays

Surface Forms

Malacopterygii singular
Malacopterygii plural

Morphology

Malacopterygii = malaco + pteryg + ii

This is a technical Latinized compound made from Greek combining forms (malaco- 'soft' + pteryg- 'fin') and the taxonomic ending -ii, which are not recognizable standalone English words for average learners.

Etymology

Malacopterygii comes from Greek parts malaco- meaning 'soft' and -pterygii meaning 'fin', and the 'pter' part is the same you see in pterodactyl meaning 'wing'. So Malacopterygii are 'soft-finned' fishes, which fits because their fins are supported by flexible rays instead of hard spines.