razorback
- noun
- /ˈreɪzərˌbæk/
- Specialized
:
ballena de aleta
- Conservation efforts are focused on protecting the endangered razorback species in marine habitats.
- razorback sucker
Examples
-
Wildlife biologists are particularly concerned about bonytail chubs and razorback suckers.
Academic text (2001) -
An estimated 65,000 razorback suckers swam in Lake Mohave two decades ago.
Academic text (2001) -
The razorback whale is known for its distinctive dorsal fin and unique throat grooves.
-
Scientists study the razorback to better understand baleen whale behavior and feeding patterns.
Synonyms
1
5.6
A large whale with plates in its mouth that filter tiny sea animals
A large whale with throat grooves and a small pointed fin that eats by filtering water with plates
Large whales with plates in their mouths and throat folds, like blue whales
A large whale that uses thin, brush-like plates in its mouth to filter tiny sea animals from water
Compounds
A wild pig with a thin body, long legs, and a ridged back found in the southeastern United States
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
Razorback comes from the parts razor and back, literally meaning a 'sharp back'. People used this name for certain whales because the long throat ridges and the small fin set far back make the whale's back look narrow and sharp, so the name fits the animal's shape.