Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
soupfin shark

soupfin shark

9.3
A shark from the Pacific Ocean often caught for its fins and liver
  • noun
  • /ˈsuːpfɪn ʃɑrk/
  • Specialized
translation icon : tiburón soupfin
  • Fishermen in California often catch soupfin sharks for their valuable fins and livers.

Examples

  • The soupfin shark population has declined due to overfishing for the Asian fin market.

  • A single soupfin shark can be a significant source of vitamin A because of its large liver.

  • The soupfin shark is a fascinating species.

  • Many soupfin sharks migrate along the Pacific coast.

  • Fishermen in California often catch soupfin sharks because their fins are highly valued for soup.

  • The large liver of the soupfin shark is rich in vitamin A, making it beneficial for health.

  • Due to its valuable fins, the soupfin shark has become a target for overfishing in the Pacific Ocean.

Synonyms

shark
vssoupfin shark
664 1.0

A large sea fish with sharp teeth that eats other animals

is a specific Pacific species valued for fins and vitamin A rich liver
finfish
vssoupfin shark
1 3.4

A fish with fins, not a shellfish

is one specific Pacific species within that broad finned fish group
soupfin
vssoupfin shark
  • Specialized
9.9

A Pacific shark whose fins and liver are used for food

is the full name including the animal type rather than just the species term
soup-fin
vssoupfin shark
  • Specialized
9.9

A Pacific shark with fins used for Chinese soup and liver rich in vitamin A

is the same but written without a hyphen
Galeorhinus zyopterus
vssoupfin shark
  • Specialized
9.9

A Pacific shark used for its fins and liver high in vitamin A

is the common descriptive name used in everyday contexts

Surface Forms

soupfin shark singular
soupfin sharks plural

Morphology

soupfin + shark

The meaning is directly compositional: 'soupfin' (soup + fin) signals fins used for soup and 'shark' names the animal, so a learner who knows the constituent words can infer it is a type of shark valued for its fins/culinary use. This follows a regular noun–noun compound pattern and is therefore readily understandable to a B1 learner.

Etymology

The noun soupfin shark is named for the shark's large fin that people used to make soup in some markets, and for its big liver full of vitamin A. That's why the name means a shark valued for its fins and liver.