dolphin

Meaning

1. A carnivorous aquatic mammal in one of several families of order Cetacea, famed for its intelligence and occasional willingness to approach humans.
2. A carnivorous aquatic mammal in one of several families of order Cetacea, famed for its intelligence and occasional willingness to approach humans.
3. A fish, the mahi-mahi or dorado, Coryphaena hippurus, with a dorsal fin that runs the length of the body, also known for iridescent coloration.
4. A depiction of a fish, with a broad indented fin, usually embowed.
5. The dauphin, eldest son of the kings of France.
6. A mass of iron or lead hung from the yardarm, in readiness to be dropped through the deck and the hull of an enemy's vessel to sink it.
7. A kind of wreath or strap of plaited cordage.
8. A spar or buoy held by an anchor and furnished with a ring to which ships may fasten their cables.
9. A mooring post on a wharf or beach.
10. A permanent fender designed to protect a heavy boat, bridge, or coastal structure from the impact of large floating objects such as ice, floating logs, or vessels.
11. (obsolete) One of the handles above the trunnions by which a gun was lifted.
12. (slang) A person who buys shares on the primary market only to resell them immediately at a high profit.

Concepts

dolphin

porpoise

dolphinfish

common dolphin

common dolphinfish

mahi-mahi

mahimahi

dolphin-fly

common dolphifish

common dolphin fish

dolphin fish

dorado

green dolphin

mahi mahi

sea hog

cow-fish

larkspur

bollard

deadhead

breasting dolphin

mooring dolphin

whale

sea hedgehog

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈdɒlf.ɪn/

Etymology

From Middle English delphyn, from Latin delphīnus, from Ancient Greek δελφίς (delphís), from δελφύς (delphús, “womb”); the modern form in -ol- is probably influenced by the pronunciation of Middle French dauphin. Compare Swedish delfin. Doublet of dauphin. Displaced native Old English mereswīn (literally “sea pig”).