pelagic

pe·lag·ic

adj \pə-ˈla-jik\

Definition of PELAGIC

: of, relating to, or living or occurring in the open sea : oceanic <pelagic sediment> <pelagic birds>

— pelagic noun

Examples of PELAGIC

1. <among pelagic animals the undisputed king is the blue whale, the largest creature currently roaming the face of the earth>
2. <at one time pelagic whaling was the cornerstone of the island's economy>

Origin of PELAGIC

Latin pelagicus, from Greek pelagikos, from pelagos sea — more at plagal

First Known Use: circa 1656

Related to PELAGIC

Synonyms: maritime, oceanic, marine

Related Words: abyssal, deep-sea, deepwater, saltwater; benthic; admiralty, nautical, naval; undersea, underwater; hydrographic, oceanographic (also oceanographical)

Near Antonyms: littoral

see all synonyms and antonyms

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with PELAGIC

choragic