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Glite Dictionary
flipper-like

flipper-like

5.5
Having flat, wide limbs that help an animal swim
  • adjective
  • /ˈflɪpər-laɪk/
translation icon : similar a aletas
  • Many aquatic animals, such as dolphins, possess flipper-like fins that aid in navigation.

Examples

  • The penguin's flipper-like wings are adapted for swimming rather than flying.

  • The first alien slapped this second alien upside the head with a flipper-like arm.

    Fiction book (1997)

  • Some do it by flapping flipper-like appendages, others use whip-like stroking movements, and still others make wave-like undulations of their bodies.

    Academic text (2009)

  • The seals have flipper-like limbs that help them swim efficiently in the ocean.

Synonyms

finlike
vsflipper-like
5.4

A thing that has the shape of a fin

is about limbs that act as swimming parts rather than only appearance
finned
vsflipper-like
3.5

Having thin flat parts like those on a fish that help it stay steady or cool

is about limbs that propel or steer in water rather than mere projections
paddle-like
vsflipper-like
4.4

A shape that is broad and flat like a boat paddle

focuses on animal parts that work for swimming rather than only flat shape

Surface Forms

flipper-like positive

Morphology

flipper-like = flipper (transparent) = flipper + like

Formed by the productive adjectival suffix '-like' attaching to the noun 'flipper', producing the straightforward meaning 'resembling a flipper'.

Etymology

Flipper-like comes from flipper, the flat paddle limb animals use to swim, and that word is built from flip meaning 'a quick movement' plus -er meaning 'one who does'. So flipper-like means 'having parts like a flipper', which helps explain why it describes limbs or parts used for swimming.