Main Entry: nar·whal

Pronunciation: \ˈnär-ˌwäl, -ˌhwäl, -wəl\

Variant(s): also nar·whale \-ˌwāl, -ˌhwāl\

Function: noun

Etymology: Norwegian & Dan narhval & Swedish narval, probably modification of Icelandic nárhvalur, from Old Norse nāhvalr, from nār corpse + hvalr whale; from its color

Date: 1646

: an arctic cetacean (Monodon monoceros) about 20 feet (6 meters) long with the male having a long twisted ivory tusk

[narwhal illustration]