fox shark
- noun
- Specialized
:
tiburón zorro
- The fox shark uses its whip-like tail to stun schools of small fish before feeding.
Examples
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Divers spotted a fox shark in the warm coastal waters near the reef.
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Because of its unique tail, the fox shark is easily distinguished from other sharks.
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The fox shark is known for its unique hunting technique.
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Many divers are fascinated by the fox shark during their trips.
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The fox shark uses its whip-like tail to herd small fish into tight groups.
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In warm waters, the fox shark can often be seen hunting with its long tail.
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The unique tail of the fox shark helps it catch prey more effectively.
Synonyms
1
6.8
A large shark from warm seas with a long tail used to stun small fish
1
9.4
A large shark from warm seas with a long tail like a whip that it uses to stun small fish
A large ocean shark with a long whiplike tail used to hunt small fish
A large shark with a very long tail that it uses to hit small fish
Surface Forms
Morphology
Knowing 'fox' and 'shark' will allow a B1 learner to infer this is a type of shark associated in some way with a fox (i.e., a shark modified by 'fox'), so the basic category is transparent. However, the precise characteristic given in the definition (a long whiplike tail used for herding and catching small fish) is not predictable from 'fox' alone, so the relation is only partially transparent.
Etymology
Fox shark may get its name from the shark's long, whiplike tail that it uses to herd and stun small fish. That's why the name helps you imagine a large shark from warm seas that catches schools of small fish with its tail.