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ganoid

ganoid

9.9
An ancient fish with thick shiny bony scales like a gar
  • noun
  • /ˈɡeɪnɔɪd/
  • Specialized
: ganoide
  • The scales of a ganoid are thick, diamond-shaped, and remarkably shiny.

Examples

  • Fossils of ganoids provide valuable insight into the evolution of vertebrates.

  • Certain freshwater fishes, like the gar, are considered living ganoids.

  • The ganoid fish is known for its unique scales.

  • Many ganoids inhabit freshwater environments.

  • Certain freshwater fishes, like the gar, are considered living ganoids.

  • The scales of a ganoid are thick, diamond-shaped, and remarkably shiny.

  • Many ganoids inhabit freshwater environments.

Synonyms

ganoid fish
vsganoid
  • Specialized
9.9

A fish with thick bony scales that have a shiny covering

refers mainly to members of the order Ganoidei rather than the broader group

Compounds

ganoid fish
  • Specialized
9.9

A fish with thick bony scales that have a shiny covering

Surface Forms

ganoid singular
ganoids plural

Morphology

ganoid = gano + oid

The suffix '-oid' is a recognizable combining suffix but the root 'gano' is a specialized combining form not a standalone English word, so the overall meaning is specialized and not derivable by an average B1 learner.

Etymology

Ganoid comes from the Greek word ganos, meaning 'brightness' or 'shine'. So a ganoid fish is named for its thick, armor-like scales that look bright and shiny.