Delphinidae

/dɛlˈfɪnɪdeɪ/ noun

Definition

The family of toothed whales that includes all dolphins, killer whales, and similar cetaceans.

Etymology

Scientific family name from Greek delphin- (dolphin) + -idae (family suffix). Formalized in zoological taxonomy in the 19th century.

Kelly Says

Delphinidae is one of the largest cetacean families with 36+ species, and killer whales are actually the largest dolphins—they're so effective hunters they're called 'wolves of the sea.'

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