Anguilliform

/æŋɡwɪˈlɪfɔːrm/ adjective

Definition

Having the characteristic long, slender, flexible body shape of an eel, with small or no fins and an undulating swimming motion.

Etymology

From Latin 'anguilla' (eel) plus '-form' (from Latin 'forma' meaning shape). The term describes the body morphology typical of eels and other creatures with similar body plans.

Kelly Says

Anguilliform locomotion—the undulating whole-body motion eels use—is so efficient that it's used by fish, snakes, and even some whales, and engineers now study eel swimming to design better underwater robots.

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