metapterygium

noun

me·​tap·​ter·​yg·​i·​um
mə̇¦taptə¦rijēəm
plural metapterygia
-jēə
: the posterior of the three principal basal cartilages in the pectoral fins of some fishes (as sharks and rays) compare basipterygium

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from meta- + Greek pterygion fin, literally, small wing

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near metapterygium

Cite this Entry

“Metapterygium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/metapterygium. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

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