Selachii

plural noun

Se·​la·​chii

-kēˌī

in some classifications

: a variously delimited group of elasmobranch fishes:

a

: a primary division of Pisces that includes all the elasmobranchs and is equivalent to Chondrichthyes

b

: a class or subclass that includes all the elasmobranchs except the chimaeras

c

: a subclass or order that includes the existing sharks and rays as distinguished from the extinct Pleuropterygii and Ichthyotomi

d

: a suborder that includes the existing sharks as distinguished from the rays and is equivalent to Pleurotremata

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, irregular from selachos cartilaginous fish; akin to Greek selas light, brightness

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