Actinopterous

/ˌæk.tɪˈnɒp.tɛr.əs/ adjective

Definition

Having fins composed of bony rays connected by a membrane, characteristic of modern fish species.

Etymology

From actino- (ray) + -pterous (winged, finned, from Greek pteron). An older adjectival form describing the fin structure of most modern fish.

Kelly Says

This seemingly technical term describes essentially every fish you'd catch in a lake or ocean—the ray-like structure of their fins is so elegant that boat designers have actually copied it to improve their propeller efficiency.

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