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

Make someone's day! Try these
10 sophisticated compliments »

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