Main Entry:: dol·phin
Pronunciation:: \ˈdäl-fən, ˈdȯl-\
Function:: noun
Etymology:: Middle English delphyn, dolphyn, from Anglo-French delphin, alteration of Old French dalfin, from Medieval Latin dalfinus, alteration of Latin delphinus, from Greek delphin-, delphis; akin to Greek delphys womb, Sanskrit garbha
Date:: 14th century

1 a (1): any of various small marine toothed whales (family Delphinidae) with the snout more or less elongated into a beak and the neck vertebrae partially fused (2): any of several related chiefly freshwater toothed whales (as of the family Platanistidae) b: porpoise 12: either of two active pelagic bony food fishes (Coryphaena equiselis and C. hippuras of the family Coryphaenidae) of tropical and temperate seas —called also dolphinfish3capitalized : delphinus4: a spar or buoy for mooring boats ; also : a cluster of closely driven piles used as a fender for a dock or as a mooring or guide for boats

[dolphin illustration]

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