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Glite Dictionary
📖 A genus name 🐋 A whale genus
Orcinus

Orcinus

9.4
A group of sea mammals that includes the killer whale or orca
  • noun
  • /ɔrˈsɪnəs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Orcinus
  • The killer whale is scientifically classified under the genus Orcinus.

Examples

  • Did you know that Orcinus orca is the scientific name for the killer whale?

  • The Orcinus genus includes the famous killer whale.

  • Marine biologists studied the behavior of Orcinus orca in their natural habitat.

  • There is only one living species currently recognized in the genus Orcinus.

  • Marine biologists studied the behavior of Orcinus orca in their natural habitat.

  • The killer whale is scientifically classified under the genus Orcinus.

  • Did you know that Orcinus orca is the scientific name for the killer whale?

Synonyms

genus Orcinus
vsOrcinus
  • Specialized
8.7

A group of sea mammals that includes the killer whale

has identical meaning but uses the single-word scientific name form

Compounds

Orcinus orca
  • Specialized
1 6.0

A large black-and-white whale with teeth and a tall fin that hunts in groups

genus Orcinus
  • Specialized
8.7

A group of sea mammals that includes the killer whale

Surface Forms

Orcinus singular
Orcini plural

Etymology

Orcinus comes from Latin and is linked to orca ('whale') and to Orcus ('a god of the underworld'), giving the idea of a powerful, dark sea creature. So the name fits the killer whale and is why scientists used it for the genus that contains orcas.