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Glite Dictionary
longfin mako

longfin mako

8.8
A large shark with long side fins and a dark blue back
  • noun
  • /ˈlɔːŋfɪn ˈmeɪkoʊ/
  • Specialized
translation icon : mako de aletas largas
  • The longfin mako can be distinguished by its elongated pectoral fins.

Examples

  • Unlike its close relative, the longfin mako is rarely seen by divers.

  • A longfin mako was caught off the coast during a research expedition.

  • The longfin mako is known for its speed.

  • Have you ever seen a longfin mako in the wild?

  • A longfin mako was caught off the coast during a research expedition.

  • The longfin mako can be distinguished by its elongated pectoral fins.

  • Have you ever seen a longfin mako in the wild?

Synonyms

Isurus paucus
vslongfin mako
  • Specialized
9.9

A type of shark with long side fins and dark blue color

is the common name used in everyday English rather than the Latin name

Surface Forms

longfin mako singular
longfin makos plural

Morphology

longfin + mako

The phrase is compositionally built from an adjective describing fin length ('longfin') and the noun for the shark species ('mako'), so a learner who knows both parts can infer it denotes a mako shark with long fins. This type of descriptive compound is common in animal names and follows ordinary English modifier + noun patterns, making it immediately comprehensible to B1 learners.

Etymology

The name longfin mako simply describes the animal: longfin refers to its long front fins and mako is the usual name for this kind of fast shark, from the Māori word for 'shark'. So the name tells you it is a 'mako' with long 'fins'.