: any of a family (Chimaeridae) of marine cartilaginous fishes with a tapering or threadlike tail and usually no anal fin
Examples of chimaera in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 10 Sep. 2025
Also known as ratfish or chimaeras, ghost sharks are deep-sea fish characterized by their green, glowing eyes and shimmering bodies, typically measuring around two feet in length.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
Sharks, rays, and chimaeras are among the most threatened vertebrate groups on the planet, second only to amphibians; according to the IUCN Red List, 37% of these species are at risk of extinction (and one species is already extinct).
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The importance of sharks, rays, and chimaeras extends far beyond their ecological role.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
Some evidence suggests that certain chimaera species might disappear before researchers can unravel their many mysteries.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024
See it Only one immature Andaman shortnose chimaera was found, and the male measured 20 inches in length, the study said.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024
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Noun
Globally, one-third of sharks—as well as their cousins, rays and chimaeras—are threatened with extinction, according to the global sustainability authority, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature.
—Madison Dapcevich, Outside, 10 Sep. 2025
Also known as ratfish or chimaeras, ghost sharks are deep-sea fish characterized by their green, glowing eyes and shimmering bodies, typically measuring around two feet in length.
—Staff Author, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025
Sharks, rays, and chimaeras are among the most threatened vertebrate groups on the planet, second only to amphibians; according to the IUCN Red List, 37% of these species are at risk of extinction (and one species is already extinct).
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025
The importance of sharks, rays, and chimaeras extends far beyond their ecological role.
—Melissa Cristina Márquez, Forbes, 24 Feb. 2025
Some evidence suggests that certain chimaera species might disappear before researchers can unravel their many mysteries.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Sep. 2024
See it Only one immature Andaman shortnose chimaera was found, and the male measured 20 inches in length, the study said.
—Aspen Pflughoeft, Miami Herald, 6 Mar. 2024
Cite this Entry
“Chimaera.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chimaera. Accessed 31 Oct. 2025.
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