Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
Balaenoptera borealis

Balaenoptera borealis

9.9
A large fast whale similar to the fin whale but smaller
  • noun
  • Specialized
translation icon : Balaenoptera borealis
  • Unlike the fin whale, the Balaenoptera borealis tends to travel alone or in small groups.

Examples

  • Scientists observed a group of Balaenoptera borealis migrating along the coast.

  • The Balaenoptera borealis is known for its speed and distinctive appearance.

  • The Balaenoptera borealis can be found in deep ocean waters.

  • Did you know that the Balaenoptera borealis is known for its speed?

  • Researchers have documented the feeding habits of the Balaenoptera borealis in various marine environments.

  • The Balaenoptera borealis can reach lengths of up to 65 feet, making it one of the largest species of whale.

  • Many conservationists are concerned about the habitats of the Balaenoptera borealis and their vulnerability to climate change.

Synonyms

sei whale
vsBalaenoptera borealis
  • Specialized
1 7.9

A large ocean whale that eats small animals by filtering water

is the scientific name used for that same species

Surface Forms

Balaenoptera borealis singular
Balaenoptera borealis plural

Morphology

Balaenoptera + borealis

The genus name Balaenoptera clearly signals a group of large whales, so a learner who knows that constituent would infer this is a whale species. However, the species epithet 'borealis' is Latin/unclear here and the link to the specific common name 'sei whale' is arbitrary and requires prior knowledge, so the overall transparency is only partial.

Etymology

Balaenoptera borealis comes from older words that mean 'whale' and 'wing', with Balaenoptera suggesting a whale with long, wing-like fins and borealis meaning 'northern'. So the name gives a simple picture of the fast, long-finned 'northern' whale we know as the sei whale.