pectoral fin

pectoral fin
the paired fin borne by the pectoral girdle, usually just behind the gill opening or slightly dorsal or ventral to this position. Also called omopterygium or homopterygium. This fin is generally larger than the pelvic fin and less variable in position and structure. The pectoral is low on the body in more primitive bony fishes and higher in more advanced ones. It functions to steer, brake and propel the fish. Pectoral fin ray counts include all the rays branched and unbranched. The length is measured from the origin (upper or outer part of base) to the distal tip of the fin. Abbreviated as P, P1 or P1

Dictionary of ichthyology. 2009.

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  • pectoral fin — n. either of a pair of fins, associated with the pectoral girdle, just behind the head of a fish, corresponding to the forelimbs of a higher vertebrate: see FISH …   English World dictionary

  • pectoral fin — noun count the FIN on each side of a fish just behind its head that controls the direction it moves in …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • pectoral fin — UK / US noun [countable] Word forms pectoral fin : singular pectoral fin plural pectoral fins biology a fin on each side of a fish just behind its head that controls the direction it moves in …   English dictionary

  • pectoral fin rotatores — muscle fibres on the leading and trailing edges of the pectoral fin, continuations of the abductores and adductores …   Dictionary of ichthyology

  • pectoral fin — noun (C) the fin that is on the side of a fish s head and helps it to control the direction it swims in …   Longman dictionary of contemporary English

  • pectoral fin — pec′toral fin′ n. ich (in fishes) either of a pair of fins usu. situated behind the head, one on each side, and corresponding to the forelimbs of higher vertebrates • Etymology: 1760–70 …   From formal English to slang

  • pectoral fin — /pɛktrəl ˈfɪn/ (say pektruhl fin) noun (in fishes) either of a pair of lateral fins situated usually behind the head, and homologous with the forelimbs of higher vertebrates …  

  • pectoral fin — noun either of a pair of fins situated just behind the head in fishes that help control the direction of movement • Hypernyms: ↑fin …   Useful english dictionary

  • pectoral fin — noun Date: 1769 either of the fins of a fish that correspond to the forelimbs of a quadruped …   New Collegiate Dictionary

  • pectoral fin — (in fishes) either of a pair of fins usually situated behind the head, one on each side, and corresponding to the forelimbs of higher vertebrates. See illus. under fish. [1760 70] * * * …   Universalium

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