dolphin

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“
The Howards estimate the dolphin was at least 8 feet long and had jumped about 6 feet in the air onto the bow of the boat.

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Definitions (24)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (5)

  1. noun Any of various marine cetacean mammals, such as the bottle-nosed dolphin, of the family Delphinidae, related to the whales but generally smaller and having a beaklike snout.
  2. noun A large marine food and game fish (Coryphaena hippurus) found worldwide in tropical waters, having an iridescent blue back, yellow sides, a steep blunt forehead, and a long continuous dorsal fin. Also called dolphinfish, dorado, mahi-mahi.
  3. noun A similar fish (C. equisetis) of smaller size, having silvery or pale yellow sides. Also called dolphinfish, pompano dolphin.
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Examples (42)

  • This spar is not inaptly called the dolphin-striker, from its appearing to dash into the waves as the ship pitches; perhaps it may have acquired its name on account of its being so capital a position from which to strike that fish. —  The Lieutenant and Commander
  • If residents spot a stranded dolphin, they should call the network at 1-800-9-MAMMAL, —  The Facts: News
  • SURFSIDE BEACH - Concerns about the environmental implications of a dolphin washing up on Surfside's beach over the weekend are unwarranted, experts say - the dolphin likely died of natural causes. —  The Facts: News
  • Bogue arranged for the dolphin, Jenny, to deliver a special love note written on a buoy to his new fiancee. —  Austin360 - XL Headlines
  • Zoo officials said the dolphin was euthanized - her keepers were nearby - following several weeks of declining health and loss of appetite. —  Chicago news, weather, traffic - CBS 2 - WBBM
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Etymologies (2)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. Middle English, from Old French daulfin, blend of daufin and Old Provençal dalfin, both from Medieval Latin *dalfinus, from Latin delphīnus, from Greek delphīs, delphīn-, from delphus, womb (from its shape).

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. from Middle English dolphyn, dolfin (also delphin, delfin, from L.), from Old French dalphin, daul-phin, French dauphin = Provencal dalfin = Spanish delfin = Portuguese delfim = Italian delfino, from Latin delphinus, poetical delphin, from Greek δελφίς, later δελφίν (δελφιν-), a dolphin (Delphinus delphis): see Delphinus. Cf. dauphin.
 

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/ˈdɑlfɪn/
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