Pleuracanthus

noun

Pleu·​ra·​can·​thus

ˌplu̇rəˈkan(t)thəs

: a genus (the type of the family Pleuracanthidae) of Paleozoic sharks of the Carboniferous and Lower Permian of Europe and North America having a subterminal mouth, long dorsal fin, and a strong serrated spine on the nape

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from pleur- + -acanthus

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!