angel shark
- noun
- /ˈeɪndʒəl ʃɑrk/
- Specialized
:
tiburón ángel
- The angel shark is often mistaken for a ray because of its flat body shape.
- angel shark, Squatina
- angel shark, Squatina dumeril
- Atlantic angel shark
Examples
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The distinctive appearance of the angel shark helps it to blend into sandy ocean floors.
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Conservationists are working to protect the endangered angel shark populations in European waters.
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The angel shark is known for its unique appearance.
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Many divers enjoy observing angel sharks in their natural habitat.
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The angel shark has a unique appearance, with a broad, flat body and winglike pectoral fins.
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In shallow waters, the angel shark can often be seen resting on the ocean floor, waiting for prey.
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The angel shark is known for its gentle nature, making it a fascinating sight for divers and marine enthusiasts.
Synonyms
1
6.8
A flat shark with wide, winglike fins that lies on the sea floor
A group of sharks called angel sharks with flat bodies and wide, wing-like fins
Surface Forms
Morphology
angel + shark
This is a straightforward compound where the modifier 'angel' qualifies the noun 'shark' to name a type of shark; a B1 learner who knows 'angel' and 'shark' can readily infer it is a kind of shark with some angel-like quality (e.g., appearance or fins). While the precise biological details (broad, flat body) are specialized, the basic meaning 'a species of shark' is compositionally derivable from the constituents and is cross-linguistically plausible.
Etymology
Angel shark gets its name from how the shark looks: its flat body and wide, winglike fins made people think of an angel, so the name helps you picture a shark lying on the sea floor with 'wings'.