Atlantic spotted dolphin

noun

: a dolphin (Stenella frontalis) widely distributed in temperate and tropical waters of the Atlantic that is typically dark gray above with profuse, light-colored spots and light gray to white below with dark-colored spots

The beached animals were Atlantic spotted dolphins, noted for their dark gray skin covered in white spots and an ability to swim fast and make spectacular leaps.

—Dallas Morning News, 7 Jan. 1998

Word History

First Known Use

1978, in the meaning defined above

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