Baleen: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
baleen
[ bษหliหn ]
whale anatomy
Baleen refers to the filter-feeding system found in some species of whales. Made of keratin, it consists of long, flat plates that hang from the upper jaws of the whale. Baleen whales, including blue and humpback whales, use this structure to sieve small prey like krill and plankton from the water. As they take in a large mouthful of water, they push it out through the baleen, trapping food particles inside. This unique adaptation allows these whales to thrive in their aquatic environments by efficiently harvesting abundant food resources.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The blue whale uses its baleen to consume thousands of pounds of krill daily.
- Humpback whales are known for their complex feeding techniques involving baleen.
- Baleen plates can grow up to 3 meters long in some whale species.
Translations
Translations of the word "baleen" in other languages:
๐ต๐น barbatana
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฌเคพเคฒเฅเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Barten
๐ฎ๐ฉ sisir
๐บ๐ฆ ะฑะฐะปะตัะฝ
๐ต๐ฑ filtrowanie
๐ฏ๐ต ใฒใ
๐ซ๐ท fanons
๐ช๐ธ barbilla
๐น๐ท sรผzgeรง
๐ฐ๐ท ์์ผ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุตูุงุฆุญ
๐จ๐ฟ kartรกฤ
๐ธ๐ฐ baleen
๐จ๐ณ ้กป
๐ธ๐ฎ brada
๐ฎ๐ธ skegg
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัาฏะทะณั
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ baleen
๐ฒ๐ฝ barbilla
Word origin
The word 'baleen' originates from the Middle English term 'balene', which itself comes from the Old French word 'balรจne'. The Old French term is derived from the Latin word 'balaena', meaning 'whale'. This etymology highlights the close relationship between the term and its biological function, as baleen is a characteristic feature of baleen whales. The concept of baleen dates back to prehistoric times when early forms of filter-feeding evolved in marine mammals. Its development has allowed baleen whales to adapt to a wide range of marine environments, contributing to their success and diversity in the world's oceans.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #31,677 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
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- 31674 vacationers
- 31675 disembarkation
- 31676 dialled
- 31677 baleen
- 31678 effused
- 31679 relegation
- 31680 hallow
- ...