selachian

9.9

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

noun
/sɪˈleɪkiən/

Specialized

: 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

cartilaginous fish

vsselachian

Specialized

1 6.8

A fish whose skeleton is made of soft cartilage not bone

adds the detail of placoid scales and the class name

elasmobranch

vsselachian

Specialized

1 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

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.