Denticete

/ˈdɛntɪsiːt/ noun

Definition

A toothed whale, especially referring to the family of whales that have teeth rather than baleen plates (like sperm whales and dolphins).

Etymology

From Latin 'dentis' (tooth) plus 'cete' (whale, from Greek 'ketos'). Scientific term distinguishing toothed whales from baleen whales based on their tooth structure.

Kelly Says

Sperm whales and dolphins are denticetes—their huge conical teeth can grow so large they actually leave scars on giant squid they hunt in the ocean depths, giving us clues about epic underwater battles!

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