Balaenidae

plural noun

Ba·​lae·​ni·​dae
bəˈlēnəˌdē
: a family of whales comprising the right whales and extinct related forms

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Balaena, type genus + -idae

First Known Use

1869, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of Balaenidae was in 1869

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near Balaenidae

Cite this Entry

“Balaenidae.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Balaenidae. Accessed 17 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!