A taxonomic classification or plural form referring to the class of cartilaginous fishes including sharks, rays, and skates.
From Greek 'elasmo-' (plate) and 'branchia' (gill) with the Latin plural ending '-ii,' a scientific naming convention used in older Linnaean taxonomic classifications.
The '-ii' ending is a Latin plural that scientists used to use constantly, but modern taxonomy has mostly switched to English-style plurals—this word shows us how scientific nomenclature has evolved over time.
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