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Glite Dictionary
selachian

selachian

9.9
A fish like a shark or ray with a skeleton made of cartilage and rough skin
  • noun
  • /sɪˈleɪkiən/
  • Specialized
translation icon : selaciano
  • Many selachian species, such as sharks and rays, play a crucial role in ocean ecosystems.

Examples

  • Unlike bony fishes, selachians have skeletons made almost entirely of cartilage.

  • The fossil record shows that selachians have existed for over 400 million years.

  • The selachian species are fascinating to study.

  • Many selachians inhabit the ocean depths.

  • Many selachian species, such as sharks and rays, play a crucial role in ocean ecosystems.

  • Unlike bony fishes, selachians have skeletons made almost entirely of cartilage.

  • The fossil record shows that selachians have existed for over 400 million years.

Synonyms

elasmobranch
vsselachian
  • Specialized
9.9

A fish with a skeleton made of cartilage like a shark or ray

is the identical concept but presented as the alternate term
Elasmobranchii
vsselachian
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of fish with skeletons made of cartilage, like sharks and rays

is about individual fishes rather than the formal taxonomic group
Selachii
vsselachian
  • Specialized
9.9

A group of fish like sharks, rays, and skates with skeletons made of cartilage

refers to the individual fishes within that group rather than the group name
cartilaginous fish
vsselachian
  • Specialized
6.8

A fish whose skeleton is made of soft cartilage not bone

adds the detail of placoid scales and the class name

Surface Forms

selachian singular
selachians plural

Morphology

selachian = selach + ian

The combining form 'selach-' is not a standalone English word and its meaning ('shark') is not transparent to an average B1 learner, so the term is not clearly derivable from familiar components despite the regular '-ian' suffix.

Etymology

The word selachian comes from the Greek word selachē, meaning 'shark'. So selachians are the shark-like fishes — sharks, rays and skates — with skeletons made of cartilage, the soft, bendy tissue in your nose and ear.