ichthyopterygium

noun

ich·​thy·​op·​te·​ryg·​i·​um
-jēəm
plural ichthyopterygia
-jēə
: the vertebrate limb when having the form of a fin whether as a definitive organ or in the course of individual or evolutionary development
especially : any of the paired fins that are the typical limbs of fishes compare chiropterygium

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from ichthy- + Greek pterygion small wing, fin, diminutive of pteryg-, pteryx wing

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Dictionary Entries Near ichthyopterygium

Ichthyopterygia

ichthyopterygium

Ichthyornis

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Cite this Entry

“Ichthyopterygium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ichthyopterygium. Accessed 29 Nov. 2024.

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