beluga

be·lu·ga

noun \bə-ˈlü-gə\

Definition of BELUGA

1

: a large white sturgeon (Huso huso syn. Acipenser huso) of the Black Sea, Caspian Sea, and their tributaries; also : caviar processed from beluga roe — compare osetra, sevruga

2

[Russian belukha, from belyĭ] : a toothed whale (Delphinapterus leucas) of arctic and subarctic waters having a fusiform body that is about 10 to 15 feet (3.0 to 5.0 meters) long and white when mature —called also white whale

Illustration of BELUGA

Origin of BELUGA

Russian, from belyĭ white; akin to Greek phalios having a white spot — more at bald

First Known Use: 1772

Rhymes with BELUGA

Kaluga, sastruga, sevruga, Tortuga, Vetluga