dorsal fin
noun
plural dorsal fins
: a flat thin body part that projects from the back of many fish (such as trout, barracuda, and sharks) and some marine mammals (such as dolphins)
Porpoises have a more triangular dorsal fin while a dolphin's dorsal fin is more curved.—
Naomi Corrigan and Dave Himelfield
Naomi Corrigan and Dave HimelfieldThis member of the perch family has two dorsal fins and a large mouth outfitted with sharp teeth …—Matt Markey
Matt MarkeyExamples of dorsal fin in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The two species can be distinguished in several ways, including the number of thinner, more flexible dorsal fins (soft rays) on the fish's back.
—Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024
The scientists identified individual pod members through distinctive dorsal fins, scars, and other markings.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 29 Nov. 2024
The authors were able to identify the orcas involved by looking at distinctive features such as dorsal fins or scars on the animals’ bodies.
—Katie Hunt, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024
Some of them have dorsal fins and rows of razor-sharp teeth.
—Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
From the Remo flounder to the anglerfish to the suckerfish, dorsal fin modifications provide insight into how fish evolve to fit their needs.
—Katie Cottingham, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Sep. 2024
But are these fascinating appendages really dorsal fins?
—Katie Cottingham, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Sep. 2024
Winter had put a life vest on the dog resembling a shark, with a dorsal fin protruding from its back.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024
The scientists also discovered signs of orca tooth rake marks on the dorsal fin of a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus).
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 26 Sep. 2024
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Mark R. Weaver, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024
The scientists identified individual pod members through distinctive dorsal fins, scars, and other markings.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 29 Nov. 2024
The authors were able to identify the orcas involved by looking at distinctive features such as dorsal fins or scars on the animals’ bodies.
—Katie Hunt, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024
Some of them have dorsal fins and rows of razor-sharp teeth.
—Katie Hill, Outdoor Life, 14 Nov. 2024
From the Remo flounder to the anglerfish to the suckerfish, dorsal fin modifications provide insight into how fish evolve to fit their needs.
—Katie Cottingham, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Sep. 2024
But are these fascinating appendages really dorsal fins?
—Katie Cottingham, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Sep. 2024
Winter had put a life vest on the dog resembling a shark, with a dorsal fin protruding from its back.
—Ian James, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024
The scientists also discovered signs of orca tooth rake marks on the dorsal fin of a fin whale (Balaenoptera physalus).
—Mindy Weisberger, CNN, 26 Sep. 2024
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Cite this Entry
“Dorsal fin.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dorsal%20fin. Accessed 15 Dec. 2024.
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