cetacean

Etymology

From New Latin cetacea, from Latin cetus (“whale”).

Humpback Whale

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /sɪˈteɪʃən/

Adjective

cetacean (comparative more cetacean, superlative most cetacean)

1. Pertaining to the zoologic order Cetacea, or associated with species falling under that taxonomic hierarchy.

   The poached blubber was definitely cetacean in origin, but the particular species could not be identified.

2. (by extension, sometimes figuratively) Resembling or relating to large aquatic mammals.

   The obese woman, ungainly on land, moved with a kind of cetacean grace in the water.

Noun

cetacean (plural cetaceans)

1. An animal belonging to the order Cetacea, including dolphins, porpoises, and whales.

   The tour promised spiritual experiences with humpback whales and other cetaceans, but all we saw were seagulls and a dead sea otter.