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Polypterus

noun
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Po·​lyp·​ter·​us | \ pəˈliptərəs \

Definition of Polypterus

: the type genus of Polypteridae that comprises primitive fishes of the larger rivers of tropical Africa having an elongate body covered with rhombic enameled scales, a dorsal fin reduced to a series of finlets, pectoral fins taking the form of a rounded lobe supported on a short arm, and an air bladder functioning as an accessory breathing organ — see bichir, erpetoichthys

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History and Etymology for Polypterus

New Latin, from Greek polypteros many-winged, from poly- + -pteros -winged (from pteron wing, feather

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Dictionary Entries Near Polypterus

polypteroid

Polypterus

polyptoton

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Cite this Entry

“Polypterus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Polypterus. Accessed 16 Oct. 2021.

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