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basipterygium

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ba·​sip·​ter·​yg·​i·​um | \ -jēəm \
plural basipterygia\ -​jēə \

Definition of basipterygium

: a basal bone or cartilage forming a support of one of the paired fins of a fish:
a : a large cartilage supporting the radialia in ganoids and selachians
b : a large bone supporting the rays of a pelvic fin in teleosts
c : the posterior member of a group of three such supporting elements in certain fishes — compare mesopterygium, metapterygium, propterygium

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History and Etymology for basipterygium

New Latin, from basi- + Greek pterygion fin, literally, small wing

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Dictionary Entries Near basipterygium

basipterygial

basipterygium

basirhinal

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Cite this Entry

“Basipterygium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/basipterygium. Accessed 23 May. 2022.

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