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Glite Dictionary
holocephalian

holocephalian

9.9
A fish with a skeleton made of cartilage, a flattened head, and a long tapering tail
  • noun
  • /ˌhoʊloʊsəˈfeɪliən/
  • Specialized
: holocefálico
  • Unlike sharks, holocephalian species have a single gill cover and lack scales.

Examples

  • Many holocephalians inhabit deep ocean waters.

  • The holocephalian is easily recognized by its distinctive long, tapering tail.

  • Paleontologists discovered well-preserved holocephalian fossils in the ancient seabed.

  • The holocephalian species is fascinating to study.

  • Paleontologists discovered well-preserved holocephalian fossils in the ancient seabed.

  • The holocephalian is easily recognized by its distinctive long, tapering tail.

  • Unlike sharks, holocephalian species have a single gill cover and lack scales.

Synonyms

holocephalan
vsholocephalian
  • Specialized
9.9

A fish with a skeleton of cartilage, a flattened head and a long tail

is the same meaning but uses a different word ending

Surface Forms

holocephalian singular
holocephalians plural

Morphology

holocephalian = Holocephali (opaque) = holo + cephal + ian

If the learner knows the taxon name 'Holocephali', the suffix '-an' straightforwardly forms a noun meaning a member of that group.

Etymology

Holocephalian comes from Greek parts holo- 'whole' and -cephalian 'head'. So it literally means 'whole head' and is a helpful way to remember this group of fishes that have a single, compact head and a long, tapering tail.