spiny-finned fish
- noun
- /ˈspaɪni fɪnd fɪʃ/
- Specialized
:
pez con aletas espinosas
- The spiny-finned fish, like the lionfish, are known for their venomous spines that can deliver a painful sting.
Examples
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Aquarists often choose spiny-finned fish for their vibrant colors and unique shapes.
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In the coral reef, spiny-finned fish dart quickly among the crevices to avoid predators.
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Indeed, many traditionally recognized spiny-finned fish groups are shown to be polyphyletic (figure 3).
Academic text (2010)
Synonyms
A group of fish with sharp bony spines in their fins, like many common sea and freshwater fish
A bony fish whose fins are held by sharp, stiff spines
Antonyms
How Spiny
- Specialized
- Specialized
Surface Forms
Morphology
spiny-finned + fish
The meaning is directly compositional: 'spiny-finned' describes the fish as having fins with spines, so a learner who knows 'spiny' (having spines) and 'fin/finned' (having fins) can infer 'fish with spiny fins.' This follows normal English adjective-noun and compound formation patterns and is therefore readily predictable for a B1 learner.
Etymology
Spiny-finned fish gives a simple picture: a fish with spiny fins, so the fins have hard, sharp points instead of soft, bendy parts. So the name means 'a fish with sharp, stiff spines in its fins'.
