Squaloidea

plural noun

Squa·​loi·​dea
skwāˈlȯidēə
1
: a suborder of Pleurotremata comprising those sharks (such as the spiny dogfishes) that have a compressed or rounded body but in some respects (as in adaptation to bottom-dwelling habits) approach the skates and rays compare galeoidea , notidanoidea
2
in some classifications : a suborder or other division of elasmobranch fishes comprising the typical sharks compare squatina

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Squalus + -oidea

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

Dictionary Entries Near Squaloidea

Cite this Entry

“Squaloidea.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Squaloidea. Accessed 16 Apr. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!