rorqual

noun ror·qual \ ˈrȯr-kwəl , -ˌkwȯl \

Updated on: 14 Apr 2018

Definition of rorqual

: any of a family (Balaenopteridae) of large baleen whales that have relatively small heads, short, broad plates of baleen, and the skin of the throat marked with deep longitudinal furrows and that include the blue whale, humpback whale, minke whale, fin whale, and sei whale

Recent Examples of rorqual from the Web

Instead, the species, all part of a group called rorquals, have evolved more into a network, sharing large segments of DNA with even distant cousins.

— author: karen weintraub, Anchorage Daily News, "Baleen whales intermingled as they evolved, and share DNA with distant cousins," 7 Apr. 2018
Instead, the species, all part of a group called rorquals, have evolved more into a network, sharing large segments of DNA with even distant cousins.

— karen weintraub, New York Times, "Baleen Whales Intermingled as They Evolved, and Share DNA With Distant Cousins," 4 Apr. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'rorqual.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.